Hope for Russia-Iran talks

cctv.com 02-22-2006 09:00

A top Iranian negotiator has praised nuclear talks in Moscow as "constructive," saying they offer hope of clinching a deal.

Negotiators have spent the last two days discussing Russia's proposal to host Iran's uranium enrichment. The plan aims to stifle concern that Iran might use enrichment capabilities to produce material for atomic weapons.

Although the talks ended without any visible progress, both Russia and Iran labelled them positive and constructive.

Visiting Moscow on Tuesday, US Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns said he thought the broad cooperation to put pressure on Iran was working well.

Russia's offer is seen as the final opportunity to ease international concerns over Iran's suspected nuclear weapons drive.

In Tokyo, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Iran may face sanctions if it fails to make a reasonable decision about its nuclear program. But he added the international community should try all diplomatic options before deciding on penalties.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is to hold a meeting on March 6 that could start a process leading to UN Security Council sanctions.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com