MOSCOW. Jan 29 (Interfax) - Tehran's intentions to enrich uranium independently will become an obstacle to the settlement of Iran's nuclear program, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko has said.
"The decision to start its own uranium enrichment which contradicts the requirements of relevant resolutions of both the UN Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors will only aggravate the existing concerns and obstruct the speedy settlement of the situation around the Iranian nuclear program," Nesterenko said at a Friday briefing in Moscow.
The ministry spokesman recalled that Tehran had made numerous declarations of intent to enrich its uranium to 20%.
He stressed that Russia recognizes Iran's unshakeable right to a peaceful nuclear program as a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.
"However, the international community has grave concerns about purposes of its program which Tehran should dispel," Nesterenko said.
Moscow finds it important at this stage "to concentrate on seeking mutually acceptable solutions in relation to the IAEA-proposed project of fuel deliveries for the Tehran scientific reactor."
"At the beginning of January Tehran submitted additional proposals to the agency which we are now examining together with other parties to the project," the spokesman said.
He added that the IEAE is planning to compile a reply to Iran's proposals in the nearest future.
"The successful implementation of the project of delivering fuel for the Iranian scientific reactor would not only relive Iran of the need to start its own enrichment but signify the first real step to the restoration of confidence that the Iranian nuclear program is purely peaceful," Nesterenko said.