Russia stresses Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy

"Iran has the right to have peaceful nuclear activity under the complete supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)", Lavrov said in an exclusive with Interfax on Thursday.

He noted that the international community should respond to Iran's positive steps and gradually remove the sanctions.

There are new horizons in the negotiation process between Iran and the P5+1 group (Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany) in bridging the gaps, Lavrov said in reference to recent exchange of views between the two sides.

"According to IAEA reports, there is no evidence of Iran's deviation from peaceful nuclear program; IAEA representatives and Iranian officials made agreement on the modality of cooperation in latest talks in Tehran," the Russian foreign minister pointed out.

He expressed hope that the upcoming January talks between IAEA representatives and Iran would result in a final agreement.

Lavrov also cautioned against the use of force against Iran which would have grave consequences for regional and international security.

He called on all parties involved in talks over Iran’s nuclear program to be cautious about their steps and to avoid the use of force during the negotiation process.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran argues that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the IAEA, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. /SR