Russia: use of force against Iran would spell end of talksOctober 10, 2012 - 17:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Wednesday, Oct 10, that the use of force against Tehran would spell the end of the negotiating process on Iran’s nuclear program, RIA Novosti reported. “Time and again we hear threats that if there is no progress on Iran’s nuclear program only one option will remain - the use of force. We hope that will never happen,” he said. “This is a straight path to undermining the efforts to resolve all outstanding issues.” The most important thing today is to focus on the work of the “five plus one” group, the minister said, adding there was hope for “a way out of the impasse.” Iran's envoy to Moscow Seyyed Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi last Monday reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to hold talks with the six major world powers (P5+1). He added, however, that a precondition was that the West should abandon its hostile position toward the Islamic Republic. The United States, Israel and some of their allies accuse Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program. Iran rejects the allegations, arguing that it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |