(file photo)
24 September 2004 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin today urged Iran to meet the demands of the UN nuclear watchdog and stop uranium enrichment activities.
Putin told a meeting of international media executives that Russia is opposed "to expanding the nuclear club" and that Iran should meet all the demands of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"I have heard many times from the Iranian leaders that their country does not seek to possess nuclear weapons. We welcome this position, but it needs to be proved. The international community should be assured that it is true," Putin said.
Last week, the IAEA adopted a resolution calling on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment work. Iran has rejected the call and said it had begun converting a large amount of raw uranium to prepare it for enrichment.
Russia is helping Iran build a nuclear reactor at the port of Bushehr despite strong criticism from the United States. The United States accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is solely for generating electricity.
(Reuters)
"I have heard many times from the Iranian leaders that their country does not seek to possess nuclear weapons. We welcome this position, but it needs to be proved. The international community should be assured that it is true," Putin said.
Last week, the IAEA adopted a resolution calling on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment work. Iran has rejected the call and said it had begun converting a large amount of raw uranium to prepare it for enrichment.
Russia is helping Iran build a nuclear reactor at the port of Bushehr despite strong criticism from the United States. The United States accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is solely for generating electricity.
(Reuters)