OREANDA-NEWS. June 15, 2011. The three presidents discussed the situation with the Iran’s nuclear programme and the need to maintain the nuclear weapons non-proliferation regime. Iran’s cooperation with the six-party group of international mediators, and making Tehran’s relations with the IAEA more transparent were among the issues discussed.

Speaking after the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Iran recognises that the six-party group offers an important platform for talks, and is ready to work together with it, including on the nuclear issue. The Iranian side expressed interest at the meeting in discussing not just the nuclear issue with the six-party group, but other matters too, including easing the sanctions against Iran and possibilities for Tehran to take part in regional processes. 

“This kind of approach that combines talks on the Iranian nuclear programme with regional and economic issues reflects in full measure the six-party group’s position,” Mr Lavrov said. Russia hopes that there will be now be no obstacle to resuming the dialogue between Iran and the six-party group.

According to Mr Lavrov, the Iranian President said at the meeting that his country would take added steps to ensure greater transparency in relations between Tehran and the IAEA. “Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated very clearly once again that Iran has no plans to possess nuclear weapons and stressed that this is Iran’s official, unwavering and unchanging position in all practical matters,” Mr Lavrov said.