China, Russia To Iran: Cooperate On Nukes

Two Countries That Often Support Tehran Urge Cooperation With U.N., Atomic Agency

(CBS/AP)  The presidents of Russia and China on Monday called on Iran to fulfill the U.N. Security Council's resolutions over its disputed atomic program, a day after the Islamic republic announced it was partially suspending cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Vladimir Putin and Hu Jintao also said in a joint statement that their countries — permanent, veto wielding Security Council members — were ready to "search for a comprehensive, long-term and mutually acceptable solution to the Iranian nuclear problem.'' They also emphasized that the increasingly tense dispute should be resolved "exclusively through peaceful means."

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said he would soon resume talks with Iran's top nuclear negotiator.

Solana, speaking in Brussels, Belgium, said he had "some contact" with Iran's Ali Larijani on Sunday and that "we'll try again today, the sooner the better."

Iran says its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, but the West believes may be a cover for the development of nuclear weapons.

"Russia and China are calling on Iran to take the necessary constructive steps to fulfill the U.N. Security Council resolutions and (International Atomic Energy Agency) board decisions and believe that Iran. ... has the right to pursue peaceful use of nuclear energy while observing its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty," the statement said.

Russia and China joined other members of the Security Council on Saturday in voting to impose new sanctions on Iran. The sanctions included the banning of Iranian arms exports and the freezing of assets of 28 people and organizations involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Iran rejected the sanctions and later announced a partial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian state-run company building Iran's first atomic power plant said that Tehran had made its first payment toward the delayed construction of the Bushehr plant since a dispute over financing halted the project.

Moscow and Tehran have been at loggerheads over financing of the plant, and Russia said earlier this month that nuclear fuel would not be supplied this month, as had been planned. The delays prompted Russia to indefinitely postpone the reactor's launch, set for September.

Iran, meanwhile, angrily denied falling behind in payments and accused Russia of caving in to U.S. pressure to take a tougher line on Tehran for defying international demands to halt parts of its nuclear program.

Russian officials denied media speculation that it was putting political pressure on Iran under cover of the financial dispute.

"The fact that our Iranian partners have overcome their difficulties is positive, however, it far from compensates for the requirements of the (project) that have arisen during the period of nonpayment," Atomstroiexport spokesman Sergei Novikov said in a statement.

The company also said the new payment was just half of the monthly amount needed for a normal construction schedule to be resumed.

[tbweb]

This is very powerful, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Hu Jintao urging Iran to coorperate. Iran can play all the games it wants but Iran cannot ignore the Russian and Chinese Presidents and when you add the United States, no nation can ignore the 3 of these great powers! The key to world peace is the unity of China, Russia and the United States! No nation dare ignore the combined will of all 3! Iran may act like it will ignore Russia and China but it will be all show, Iran knows it seriously can't ignore these world powers! The Big Dogs are in the game now Iran! Notice those BIG TEETH!! :-)

[toolmangler-2009]

average tempurature in the continental USA is in the neighborhood of 53 deg f' but that is meaningless for Bangor Maine and San Diego California. One needs heat and one needs Air conditioning.

[toolmangler-2009]

Competition (business) from Iran does not scare me and most thinkers. Iran having noocleearr energy does not scare me either. However Iran as a SHIA dominated country having a nuculear b-mb scares the stuffings out of me. I do not care if they have reactor made electricity, but for them to give Al-qaeda and other nut groups the power to poison the entire Earth in one day is totally unacceptable to me. Since their "stated objective" is making the Earth muslim by killing anyone that does not become muslim, that is also unacceptable...
Ahmadamnutjob has said that Israel must perish but they won't go quietly since they also have the b-mb.
Posted by ToolMangler at 07:33 PM : Mar 26, 2007

[grazinggoat]

A average temperture of 77 degrees year round in Iran, what do they need a nuclear plant for to make electricity.324 days of sunshine per year. Instead of building a nuclear plant for "electricity" in Iran or elsewhere why not give incentives for the development of solar of other alternative energies.
Posted by radiob

-radio, they have not enough electricity power to light up a 17 million people city (Tehran) and growing during the night, but preparing to. Nuclear is a good option. Isn't it?

Ever tasted a radiation-grilled lamb kebab?

[grazinggoat]

ALL MUSLIMS MUST DIE.
Posted by superchez1

-What a cretin!
Are you drunk or are you in the middle of a paranoia crisis?

[notblue]

If Russia and China canoot compel these radicals to back off the brink then whatever happens happens. Iran did not listen to the world body and this situation proves it's not about electricity.

[radiob-2009]

A average temperture of 77 degrees year round in Iran, what do they need a nuclear plant for to make electricity.324 days of sunshine per year. Instead of building a nuclear plant for "electricity" in Iran or elsewhere why not give incentives for the development of solar of other alternative energies.