Russia Calls On Iran To Abandon Uranium Enrichment

Russia is calling on Iran to accept a package of European incentives and to abandon uranium enrichment activities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in Kuwait, said Tuesday he hopes Iran will accept the initiative and also cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He said he hopes Wednesday’s meeting of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany will end in agreement on proposals for negotiating an end to the nuclear standoff with Iran.

Last week, Germany, France and Britain proposed trade and technology incentives. Media reports say the three also discussed guarantees for Iran against an eventual U.S. attack and possible aid in building a light-water reactor for nuclear energy.

Wednesday’s meeting in London will discuss the incentives in detail.

Iran has already dismissed the package, saying it will not stop enriching uranium.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Kuwait’s foreign minister, Muhamad al-Sabah, Lavrov implied Russia would not support the use of force against Iran.

Sabah said Russia and Kuwait agree on the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The U.S. and Europe have supported a U.N. resolution that would allow sanctions against Iran if it continues enriching uranium.

Russia and China are opposed to sanctions.