Iranian MP calls on Russia to pressure U.S. to lift sanctionsAugust 20, 2011 - 12:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia should pressure the United States to lift the sanctions imposed on Iran, Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Friday, August 19. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has so far taken important steps in order to create transparency concerning its peaceful nuclear activities, and the Russians, based on the step-by-step proposal, should pressure the U.S. into lifting the sanctions imposed on Iran,” Boroujerdi told the Mehr News Agency. On July 13, Russia made a proposal for a “step-by-step” approach, according to which Iran could address questions about its nuclear program and be rewarded with a gradual easing of sanctions. Boroujerdi went on to say that the negotiations with Russia, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, are very important, adding that the secretary of Russia’s Security Council was invited to Tehran to hold talks with Saeed Jalili, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev arrived in Tehran on Monday to discuss the “step-by-step” approach with Iranian officials and left on Wednesday. Elsewhere in his remarks, Boroujerdi pointed to Iran’s package of proposals, which it delivered to the 5+1 group (the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany), saying it was mentioned in the package that Iran should have the right to acquire and develop nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes. “The modality plan, signed by Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog in 2007, was meant to clear up ambiguities cited by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Iran later provided official responses,” he said. The MP also noted that the U.S. does not want Iran’s nuclear dossier to be closed because it is using the situation as a tool to pressure Iran to stop its nuclear activities, MNA reported. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |