Moscow Condemns Iran, But Says Nukes Cooperation To Continue

NUKEWARS

Russia is the main contractor in the construction of Iran's first nuclear power station (pictured) and a staunch defender of Tehran's right to civilian atomic power, while the United States argues that the programme is part of a secret military project.

Moscow, Russia (AFP) Oct 27, 2005
Russia vowed to continue supporting Iran's controversial nuclear programme Thursday, but joined Western capitals in condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's call for Israel to be "wiped off the map."

The foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in Moscow and described Ahmadinejad's comment as "propaganda rhetoric (which is) ill advised in a region as explosive as the Middle East."

However, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a visit to Jordan that there would be no change in Moscow's support for Iran's efforts to build a civilian nuclear power capacity.

"Our position regarding Iran has not changed," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

Russia is the main contractor in the construction of Iran's first nuclear power station and a staunch defender of Tehran's right to civilian atomic power, while the United States argues that the programme is part of a secret military project.

Lavrov said that the dispute should continue to be resolved through negotiations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a process Washington says is almost exhausted.

Lavrov said he recognised that following Ahmadinejad's outburst there would be greater support for a US threat to step up the diplomatic confrontation by taking Tehran before the UN Security Council.

"I cannot fail to recognise that those who favor transferring the Iranian nuclear issue to the UN Security Council now have an additional argument," Lavrov said. He called the call for ending Israel's existence "totally unacceptable."

The foreign ministry urged Iran to recognise the "danger of confrontational approaches and to exercise political foresight and pragmatism."

Earlier this month, Lavrov openly feuded with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over support for Iran's nuclear power rights.

The Russian minister said Iran had a basic "right" to enrich uranium for use in a nuclear energy program.

Rice questioned whether Tehran could be trusted to limit that program to civilian uses alone, saying Iran had not just rights but obligations as a signatory to non-proliferation pacts.

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NUKEWARS

Iranian's 'Wipe Israel Off Map' Words Prompt Sharp World Response

Paris, France (AFP) Oct 26, 2005
Widespread condemnation greeted remarks Wednesday by Iran's president that Israel should be wiped of the map, with Jerusalem seeing Teheran as a "clear and present danger" and Washington renewing concern about the Islamic Republic's nuclear aims.

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