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         US, Russia Discuss Need for Specific Iranian Nuclear Proposal

   by VOA News

   The United States and Russia have discussed the need for a specific
   proposal on Iran's nuclear program amid ongoing international
   discussions about fears the country is developing nuclear weapons.
   Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday after meeting
   with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that Iran probably wants clear
   steps spelled out toward proving its nuclear program is peaceful.
   Lavrov said that will likely be part of discussions next in week in
   Geneva, when officials from the five permanent members of the U.N.
   Security Council plus Germany hold their next talks with Iran.
   Kerry said the United States is encouraged by Iran's recent outreach
   efforts, but that actions, not words, are what will make a difference.
   "So what we need are a set of proposals from Iran that fully disclose
   how they will show the world that their program is peaceful. And we
   have made it clear that if there are those indicators, the United
   States and our allies are absolutely prepared to move in appropriate
   ways to meet their actions," said Kerry.
   Kerry also said Iran has not responded to an offer the so-called P5+1
   group made earlier this year, which called for Iran to stop enriching
   uranium to 20 percent and halt enrichment at one of its nuclear
   facilities.
   Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Sunday that the offer was
   no longer valid, and that the P5+1 should come to next week's
   negotiations with a "new point of view."
   Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for
   peaceful purposes, and wants the international community to lift a
   range of sanctions imposed for its refusal to halt enrichment activity.
   The possible threat of a ballistic missile strike from countries like
   Iran has led the United States to plan a missile shield in Europe.
   Russia opposes the move, saying the system could neutralize its own
   strategic missile force and leave it vulnerable to the West.
   Kerry said Monday it is too early to make determinations about the
   system as long as the Iranian threat continues. However, he also said
   that the U.S. and Russia are continuing to talk about the plan and are
   trying to work out a way that meets the needs of both countries.
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   ranian-nuclear-proposal/1764247.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-russia-discuss-need-for-specific-iranian-nuclear-proposal/1764247.html