Medvedev Presses Iran Ahead Of Lula Trip

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (file photo)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said after a meeting with visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that Iran is running out of opportunities for talks over its controversial nuclear program before new sanctions are imposed.

He was speaking at a joint press conference with Lula, who heads to Iran on May 15.

"I very much hope that the mission of the president of Brazil will end successfully," Medvedev said. "This may be the last opportunity before adopting of certain measures within the UN Security Council."

Brazil, currently one of the 15 UN Security Council members, has publicly opposed a push by Western states for new sanctions against Iran and has been seeking to help resolve the dispute through negotiations.

Until recently, Russia has also been reluctant to discuss sanctions.

On bilateral issues, the Russian and Brazilian sides discussed cooperation in military, oil, space, and trade.

Brazil and Russia, along with India and China, are members of the BRIC group of economies seeking to increase their economic and political weight.

compiled from agency reports