Blinkx Video: GERMANY: Russia says won't have behind-the-scenes role in negotiations with Iran

GERMANY: Russia says won't have behind-the-scenes role in negotiations with Iran
00:02:21
ITN Source

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GERMANY: Russia says won't have behind-the-scenes role in negotiations with Iran

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, speaking to reporters after the Security Conference in Munich, Germany on Sunday (February 11) played down the Russian influence over Iran. "Iran. First of all - I wouldn't overestimate the Russian influence on Iran. Secondly, the Russian position is and will be in the framework of the six countries who are conducting negotiations. We won't play any special behind-the-scenes-role," he said. "I believe it should be some sort of political diplomatic solution. In my personal view, it would be nice if Iran at least stops for some time its (uranium) enrichment. Or adjourn it for the time being," Lavrov added. His remarks coincide with disagreement between Russia and the United States over the Iraq war and the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea. "And eventually what we have, lots of countries do possess these missiles, many if they want will possess them - lots of countries either won't sell or will possess them. And there are only two countries in the world which do not have the right to possess these missiles - namely the United States and the Russian Federation. It cannot go on forever," Lavrov said. Russia is also concerned by U.S. plans to deploy an anti-missile system in the Czech Republic and Poland. Washington says it is needed for defence against rockets launched by Iran and North Korea but Russia rejects this argument.

ITN Source | February 11, 2007