Russia: No Deal On Iran, Syria

Moscow, Feb 5, IRNA – Russia Foreign Ministry in a statement denied claims by a Russian newspaper that Russia and the US has made a deal on on Iran and Syria, terming the calims as being 'far from reality'. The statement, issued on Friday afternoon, said 'We are sorry to say that Russian newspaper “ Argumenti Nedeli “ quoting an unknown source published an unfounded and basesless report about Russia's deal with the US on Syria and Iran. The statement said Russia fully observes and respects international laws and considers efforts by foreigners to interfere in Syria's domestic affairs as 'unacceptable'. The statement added that the Syrian crisis can be solved only through direct dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition without preconditions. It also said that Russia's stance on Iran is clear for everybody. 'We reject military approach to solve Iran’s nuclear program and we warn the US that exerting pressure and imposing sanctions will be harmful to negotiation process, intensify tensions and push the current situation to a dead end.' /end