Diplomatic Solution still "Hopeful" to Resolve Iran's Nuclear Issue; Russia and EU

2006-10-24 05:57:09 CRIENGLISH.com

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov says they remain hopeful that talks will resume with Iran on its nuclear programme.

Following discussions in Moscow with Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU external relations commissioner, Lavrov said there was a chance for a negotiated settlement without sanctions.

"Our task is to find the most efficient ways of guaranteeing the inviolability of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, strengthening and retaining the possibility of negotiations with Iran with due consideration of the legal rights of Iran according to the Non-Proliferation Treaty."

EU commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said that Iran had not responded positively to the package of incentives offered by the EU, but she stressed that there is still chance for diplomacy.

"For the time being, there will not be another alternative than to also explore other ways, but at the same time the door is still open and we do hope for a diplomatic solution."

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