Russia, Germany, France keep up pressure on Iran over nuclear program

CNN: Russia joined Germany and France on Tuesday in supporting sanctions against Iran if it fails to cooperate with leading international bodies on its nuclear program, the leaders of the three nations said after a two-day summit.

By the CNN Wire Staff

(CNN) — Russia joined Germany and France on Tuesday in supporting sanctions against Iran if it fails to cooperate with leading international bodies on its nuclear program, the leaders of the three nations said after a two-day summit.

The talks between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Deauville, on France’s northern coast, were the first in five years exclusively involving leaders from the three European powers, Medvedev said. The heads of state engaged on a wide variety of subjects, from Middle East peace to European security to the role of other, broader international forums going forward.

“I totally agree with President Sarkozy that such events are very useful,” said Medvedev of the talks, which ended Tuesday. “It’s a frank, open, calm and friendly format to discuss various issues.”

The three nations’ leaders together called on Iran to adhere to the “requirements” of the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, adding that Iran should know that “the door to dialogue remains open,” according to a statement from Merkel’s office.

Iranian media reported several days ago that the country’s officials could have nuclear talks with world powers in mid-November. Iran, whose leaders deny developing a nuclear program for military purposes, reportedly wants to meet with members of the U.N. Security Council.

“We agreed to try to adhere to the methods we’ve worked out, but on the other hand, to urge and motivate Iran to cooperate on all the issues,” said Medvedev. Russia has often sided with Iran in the past on nuclear and other matters.

In addition, the parties at the Deauville summit discussed the prospect of a joint security system between Russia and members of the European Union. And Germany said that it, along with Russia, supports France’s intentions to bolster the roles of the G-8 and G-20 — informal meetings of world leaders — in tackling problems worldwide, according to a press release from Merkel’s office.

Leaders from the three European nations also affirmed their support for the U.S.-led efforts to broker a long-term accord between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, the statement from Merkel’s office said, urging the Palestinians to remain engaged and Israel to “guarantee the progress and success” of the peace talks.