Reuters: Russia is considering Iran’s invitation to visit nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic but has questions about the offer, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia is considering Iran’s invitation to visit nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic but has questions about the offer, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
“We received this initiative with interest,” Ryabkov told reporters in Moscow. “We believe that the Iranian side has demonstrated readiness to enter a certain dialogue on important issues.”
“But we have our own questions and desires on this account. All these questions are being discussed, including with our Iranian partners,” he said.
He indicated Russia would only agree to such a tour if agreements are reached that would ensure it would help ease international concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
“For now it is all being worked on and there are no decisions yet.”
Iran invited diplomats from Russia and China to visit two sites — the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and the Arak heavy water complex — in the coming weeks, though Tehran snubbed the United States, Britain, France and Germany.
(Reporting by Steve Gutterman; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
