Russia says diplomacy with Iran 'necessary'

"It's necessary to seek diplomatic solution and possibility for negotiations with Iran," Russia's Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said.

"It would be better for Iran to formulate its position to enable to negotiate position," he said.

Churkin said he has not received orders from Moscow to work on a draft resolution aimed at toughening sanctions against Iran.

Russia and China, both veto-wielding members of the 15-nation UN Security Council, have strongly resisted Western calls for further sanctions on Iran.

Over the past few weeks, Russia has appeared to be edging closer to supporting the US-prescribed package of stricter sanctions against Tehran but still seems to have reservations on the idea.

"I see no reason why the six can't work effectively and hammer out dealings with Iran," Churkin said referring to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States — plus Germany.

"The key thing is to have this matter resolved peacefully," he added.

Churkin's comments come after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in a statement that Moscow would support a new round of sanctions against Tehran as long as it did not create a humanitarian crisis.


/Press TV/