Russia "disappointed" by Iran's nuclear stand: Ifax http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL2829835120070528
Mon May 28, 2007
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is "greatly disappointed" with Iran's record in meeting international demands over its nuclear program, Moscow's chief negotiator on the issue was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying on Monday.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report issued on Wednesday that Iran was making substantial advances in uranium enrichment, a project which has fuelled Western suspicion that Tehran was seeking to create an atomic bomb.
Iran has defied calls by the U.N. Security Council to halt its nuclear program, saying it was purely civilian.
"The report has stated Iran's failure to adhere to the resolutions by the (IAEA) board and the U.N. Security Council," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said. "And this is the main point of the report."
"We are greatly disappointed with (Iran's position)," he added. "We count on Tehran reviewing its position."
Russia, which is building a nuclear power station in Iran, has backed two sets of U.N. sanctions against Tehran. But Moscow has urged caution in handling the issue, saying international pressure should not seek to corner Iran.
The IAEA report said there was no immediate evidence Iran was trying to "weaponize" nuclear material.
U.S. President George W. Bush said Washington would work with European, Russian and Chinese leaders to impose a third, stronger round of U.N. Security Council sanctions.
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