Russia will only support "clever" sanctions against Iran

AFP-Sergei Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister announced that Moscow will only support “clever” sanctions against the Islamic Republic that do not pave the way for future military actions against Iran.

In an interview with TV-Center channel, Mr. Lavrov emphasized: ''Any Security Council decision on Iran should clearly state that they can not be used as a basis for the use of force against Iran.''

Russia has maintained that sanctions should aim at organizations involved in Iran’s nuclear dossier and not burden Iran’s civilian population, but the sanctions discussed so far fail to address this issue.

Sergei Lavrov’s comments are stated at the threshold of preliminary talks between permanent members of UN Security Council about increasing sanctions against Iran.

Russian foreign minister insisted that negotiations with Islamic Republic officials should continue until they reach a resolution.

He maintained that Iran has failed to cooperate fully with the IAEA and urged Islamic Republic to be more cooperative with the UN nuclear watchdog.

Regarding sanctions against Iran, yesterday Russian President Medvedev told the 22-nation Arab League: ''We are certain that the path of sanctions is not an optimal one. At the same time the possibility that events may develop along this scenario cannot be ruled out.”

Russia and China have repeatedly opposed increasing sanctions against Iran and prefer the path of further negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.