Moscow Talks, Step Toward Resolving Iran Nuclear Row: Russian Expert

Berlin, June 14, IRNA - A leading Russian nuclear expert said next week's talks in Moscow between the West and Iran over its nuclear program are geared at eventually settling the Iranian nuclear dispute. The President of the Moscow-based Russian Center for Policy Studies Vladimir Orlov stressed in an interview with IRNA in Berlin while it was "not realistic" to expect an immediate breakthrough in Moscow, it could be a "further step towards resolving the Iranian nuclear issue." He reiterated the upcoming negotiations in the Russian capital were part of a process directed at finally overcoming the Iranian nuclear impasse. "I believe it is very important that the six parties do talk. I think there was progress both in Istanbul and Baghdad. I do not think it would be realistic to expect an immediate breakthrough. This is why we should all look at the current talks as a process," Orlov said. "The process should not stop in Moscow. We have a good opportunity to address those issues which have not been addressed properly before in Istanbul and Baghdad and make a further step towards resolving Iranian nuclear issue," he added. Orlov said the Moscow meeting could likely focus on aspects of Iran's uranium enrichment, western unilateral sanctions and the safety of Iranian nuclear facilities. "I think there are two sets of issues which should be addressed but I am not saying that they necessarily will be addressed in Moscow. The idea is that the first set of issues should relate to the Iranian enrichment program on one hand and unilateral sanctions on the other hand," the Russian scholar said. "I think that it would be wise to agree that Iran should agree not to go off the current enrichment level. I disagree with those that the enrichment level should be 3.5 percent or so. I believe something up to 20 percent. 19.99 percent is something that we should discuss," Orlov added. He urged Tehran to temporarily freeze enrichment at the 20 percent level as a "confidence-building measure." In return, Orlov called on the US and Europe to halt its policy of imposing unilateral sanctions against Tehran. Orlov made clear that any mutual confidence-building measures should ultimately result in closing the Iran dossier of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Russian expert said the Moscow talks could also dwell on the safety of Tehran's nuclear program, a "concern" which according to Orlov has been raised by Iran's regional neighbors, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. "I suggest this issue should be addressed. Iran has nothing to hide on the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Russia has nothing to hide on Bushehr nuclear power plant as a country that build it," Orlov said. "So to make stress tests there, to show the safety of the facilities there, would be very important for the political climate in the region. I am not sure whether Moscow would be the place to address it already but I hope that starts as well," he added. Asked about the Iran policy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orlov pointed to Putin's "clear policy on Iran." He said for Putin it was "completely unacceptable" to use the Iranian nuclear issue as "a pretext" to intervene in Iran's domestic politics. And if indeed the US and others are thinking of regime change in Teheran, this would be "strongly opposed by Russia," Orlov warned. "If on the other hand, Iran is willing to demonstrate its cooperation with the IAEA and international community, Russia would be very much more willing to engage more with Iran," he said. "For President Putin, Iran is an important strategic partner and Iran is important player in the region, whether it is on energy issues or the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or other issues where Iran according to President Putin, can play a greater role than what it plays now, Orlov added./end