Iran's Nuclear Move Raises Suspicions, Says Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov (file photo) (AFP) 12 January 2006 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Iran's recent decision to resume sensitive nuclear work raises suspicions that it may be pursuing military aims under the guise of its nuclear fuel program.

Lavrov was quoted as saying he believes Tehran's decision to remove international seals this week from its nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz does not violate international law.

But he said "the lack of economic logic and the absence of any real need" for Iran's atomic program feed suspicions that it "could have a hidden military aspect."

He also said Russia does not rule out the possibility of referring Iran to the UN's Security Council on account of its nuclear program.

Lavrov made the comments in an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio, excerpts of which were released in advance of its airing.

(AFP, Interfax)