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Iran urges Russia to play "more active role" in nuclear talks

Xinhua, January 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Russia can play a significant role to help secure a final nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif said here on Monday.

Russia's more active role in the talks is an important factor in the acceleration of settlement of the issue and achievement of a comprehensive agreement, Zarif said in a meeting with Russia's visiting Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Tasnim news agency reported.

For his part, Ryabkov pointed to Moscow's "responsible role" as a member of the P5+1 group, saying that "Moscow-Tehran friendly and close relations necessitates that we unleash our potential and help a speedier settlement of Iran's nuclear issue."

Nuclear talks at the deputy foreign ministerial level will be held on Jan. 18 in Geneva between Iran and the P5+1 group, namely China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States, plus Germany.

Negotiations between Iran and the world powers resumed on Dec. 17, 2014, just weeks after failing to meet a Nov. 24 deadline for a comprehensive nuclear deal due to significant gaps over Iran's uranium enrichment abilities and how the sanctions should be removed.

Tehran and the world powers later agreed to extend their talks to July this year. Endit