Russian expert: Iran powerful enough to repel Western sanctions

A notable Russian expert says Iran is capable enough to overcome the West’s sanctions. Alexander Pikayev, an expert at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told IRNA,

"Sanctions regime will not have the least effect on Iran, instead it would further encourage the atmosphere of distrust in the settlement of the country’s nuclear issue."

He said the negotiation option and turning to cooperation for diplomatic settlement of the nuclear dispute should be taken.

He added that the key to dialogue on such an issue is respecting Iran and its legal interests, and avoiding any pressure on the country.

Pikayev remarked that three decades of sanctions issued against Iran by the US and its Western allies has failed to dissuade Iranian statesmen and people form following an independent policy and defending their interests, adding that sanctions have not halted Iran’s nuclear program because the technology the country uses is indigenized.

/Irna/