Iran has confirmed it is prepared to halt its enrichment of 20-percent uranium, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, urging Western nations to end their sanctions against Tehran.The interview with Russian FM Lavrov was published on Tuesday on the Russian Foreign Ministrys website:For the first time in many years, there are encouraging signs in the process of settlement of the situation with the Iranian nuclear program,he said.
The major role in this, of course, have played the gradual and mutual principles proposed by the six-party member countries, which open to Iran the prospect of reducing and ultimately lifting of the sanctions imposed in exchange for fair and consistently deepening cooperation with the international community,Lavrov stressed.
Without going into details, the Iranians confirm the most important [point]: Their readiness to stop 20 percent uranium enrichment at its current levels,Lavrov said.
This could become a breakthrough agreement, significantly alleviating existing problems, including concerns about the possibility of advanced uranium enrichment to a weapons-grade level,the Russian FM said.
Such a move implies significant reciprocal steps by the Six, the minister added, referring to the group of world powers seeking to peacefully resolve the issue of Irans nuclear program.
The international community must adequately respond to the constructive progress made by Iran, including gradual suspension and lifting of sanctions, both unilateral and those introduced by the UN Security Council. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this opportunity,Lavrov concluded.
News of Irans possible concessions over its nuclear program comports with promises made by Iranian President-elect Hassan Rowhani, who vowed to make the program more transparent.
Still, the moderate cleric stressed on Monday that Tehran would not consider halting the countrys uranium enrichment activities entirely. Rowhani insisted that Irans nuclear activities arewithin the framework of law,and dubbed the international sanctionsbaseless.
Despite numerous accusations by Israel and the US that it is secretly conducting military nuclear research, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
By Russia Today
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