Rice to push Russia on Iran: report

AFP: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will caution Russia during a visit here this week that its close work on Iran’s nuclear program could come at a heavy price, the liberal business daily Kommersant reported Tuesday. Rice, who was due to arrive here later Tuesday for a two-day visit to include talks with President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, “will try to persuade Russia not to hinder US moves” should tensions with Iran increase, the daily commented, … AFP

MOSCOW – US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will caution Russia during a visit here this week that its close work on Iran’s nuclear program could come at a heavy price, the liberal business daily Kommersant reported Tuesday.

Rice, who was due to arrive here later Tuesday for a two-day visit to include talks with President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, “will try to persuade Russia not to hinder US moves” should tensions with Iran increase, the daily commented, without citing sources.

“Ms. Rice’s task is to persuade Moscow that at present cooperating too closely with Iran could have many setbacks instead of benefits,” Kommersant said, adding that “Rice has several arguments to use in criticism of the Kremlin.”

It cited in particular assertions earlier this year by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko that Ukraine sold “several” X-55 cruise missiles to Iran when his predecessor, Leonid Kuchma, was in charge of the country, with Russia acting as intermediary in the sale.

Rice was expected to discuss several key issues in US-Russian relations, including cooperation in the war on terrorism and economic questions. Washington is also seeking Moscow’s support in its efforts to pressure Iran, the daily said.