Moscow urges direct US-Iran talks

(FNA)- The Russian government has for the first time publicly encouraged the US and Iran to begin direct one-to-one negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program, arguing that the creation of a negotiating channel between Washington and Tehran could help avert conflict.

As the US considers its next negotiating move over Iran, Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said Moscow would like to see Washington and Tehran enter direct diplomatic contact, Financial times reported.

Until now, Moscow has been directly involved in negotiations with Iran because it is one of the six powers - the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China - that negotiate in a body called the E3 plus 3 or Group 5+1.

Asked in an interview how Moscow would respond if the US and Iran were to focus on direct talks, Ryabkov said, "We will not have a word against this. Of course, we would hope we would be informed on the content of these arrangements."

Ryabkov, who is Russia's chief negotiator on the Iranian nuclear issue, added, "Informal contacts (between the US and Iran) are ongoing, but direct talks are possible. Such an arrangement will not create a problem for us, even if there is not a fully fledged E3 plus 3. We are down to earth - we want something that will bring everyone out of this morass".

Ryabkov said that E3 plus 3 dialogue with Iran should continue, whatever happened in bilateral relations between Washington and Tehran. He said the six powers had created some momentum at a meeting with Iran in Istanbul this year, but this had now been lost.