TEHRAN, March 14 (Shana) � Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh welcomed statements by Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak suggesting Iran�s exemption from a global oil production and export freeze.

�The positions of Russia about Iran�s return as well as resumption of stability to the oil market were encouraging and very positive,� he told reporters following a meeting with Novak here on Monday.

Zangeneh, who was upbeat over his talks with the Russian minister, also said that two sides had close analyses regarding the oil market developments.

�Russia had a very clear position about Iran�s return,� he added, �What he said today was contrary to certain propaganda.�

Novak also told reporters that Iran can be exempted from the freeze to stabilize the market because its production and exports had decreased under sanctions.

�It is for 17 or 18 years that I am familiar with Russians� positions. This was the most positive stand that I heard in the meetings which made me hopeful over improvement of the market in future,� Zangeneh said.

By SHANA