Russia says UN Iran report to strain nuclear talks

IAEA expected to release strongly worded document spelling out why it voiced concern that Iran may be seeking to build an atom bomb.

By REUTERS
Iranian nuclear program 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS)
Iranian nuclear program 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS)
MOSCOW - Russia warned the UN on Tuesday against publishing a report which is expected to heighten suspicion over Iran's nuclear program, saying to do so will strain diplomatic efforts to resolve the major powers' dispute with Tehran.
The Foreign Ministry said the timing of the UN nuclear watchdog's report, due next month, could block any chance of serious talks.
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It urged greater delicacy surrounding the publication and chided the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) information about the subject and tone of its upcoming quarterly report.
"It would without a doubt strain the atmosphere and may hinder the start of serious negotiations," the Russian ministry said in a statement on its website.
"This sensitive topic requires unbiased, delicate and responsible handling, which can hardly be possible given the promotional hype that began even before the publication (of the) IAEA director general's report," it added.
The IAEA is expected to release a strongly worded document spelling out in detail why it voiced mounting concern last month that Iran may be seeking to build an atom bomb.
Western powers suspect Iran is using its nuclear program to develop nuclear missiles, but Tehran says it needs to refine uranium for a planned network of nuclear power plants.
Moscow, which has long-standing commercial and diplomatic links with Iran, has positioned itself as a mediator in the search for a solution to Teheran's nuclear row with the six major powers - the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.


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