Moscow: India and Russia on Friday warned
against unilateral sanctions on Iran, in an apparent reference
to actions taken by US and other Western nations, and
advocated the use of political and diplomatic means to resolve
the tensions arising out of Tehran`s nuclear programme.
In a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held summit talks
here, the two countries voiced concern over the situation
emerging around Iran`s nuclear programme.
While recognising the inherent right of states to use
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, India and Russia
stressed the need for all states to comply with their
respective obligations on non-proliferation.
The joint statement supported a comprehensive and
long-term settlement of the situation exclusively through
political and diplomatic means by promoting dialogue.
In this context, they also noted that unilateral
sanctions could be counter-productive, a veiled reference to
US action.
The two countries while recognising Iran`s right to
develop research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes in conformity with international obligations urged
that country to comply with the provisions of the relevant UN
Security Council Resolutions and extend full cooperation to
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran claims that its nuclear programme is for purely
peaceful purposes.
PTI
