Russia criticizes new EU sanctions against Iran

TEHRAN,Oct.20(MNA) – Russia criticized the European Union on Wednesday for imposing new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and called for a fresh round of talks between world powers and Tehran as soon as possible, Reuters reported. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over EU sanctions imposed on Monday against major Iranian state companies in the oil and gas industry and the Central Bank of Iran. Moscow said that unilateral sanctions by the EU dealt a “palpable blow” to the unity of the six nations - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - leading diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. “We will continue to consistently seek to achieve the organization of the next round of negotiations… as soon as possible,” the statement said. The latest round of high-level talks between Iran and the six major powers was held in Moscow on June 18 and 19. Russia has supported four rounds of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran but says further measures are counterproductive.