On the occasion of the visit to Moscow of Mr de Villepin, French Prime Minister, the following franco-russian joint statement was issued:

"France and the Russian Federation share a common endeavour to strengthen the NPT regime and to cooperate further on non proliferation, disarmament and counter terrorism as well as on the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Non proliferation, disarmament and counter terrorism

The NPT regime is a cornerstone of our multilateral security framework.

France and the Russian Federation call on all States to comply with their NPT non proliferation and IAEA safeguards obligations and to develop effective measures aimed at preventing trafficking in nuclear equipments, technology and materials. In this context, they support the work of the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee and underline the importance of the full implementation of that resolution by all UN members.

France and the Russian Federation support the early commencement of negociations in the Conference on disarmament on a Treaty banning the production of fissile materials for weapons purposes, and confirm their existing moratoriums in this respect.

They call on all States to cooperate against the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism.

Peaceful uses of nuclear energy

Nuclear energy plays and will play an essential role for future generations to adress the challenges of sustainable development in a context of growing energy demand worldwide. As State parties to the NPT, they are committed to facilitating the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in particular with developing countries. They share the view that full compliance with the non proliferation obligations is an essential condition for such kind of exchanges.

To further strengthen this common approach and the international nuclear market, they will also support initiatives aimed at :

Reviewing multinational approaches to the fuel cycle ., developing credible international assurances of access to nuclear fuel enrichment services, in the framework of a multilateral mechanism for countries which do not develop the fuel cycle ., research and development for safer, cost effective and proliferation resistant nuclear energy systems. France supports the participation of the Russian Federation in Generation IV forum.

Iran

In this context, France and the Russian Federation are united in their determination to see the proliferation implications of Iran's nuclear programme resolved. They welcome the positive interaction between France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the High representative of the European Union, and the Russian Federation in search of a diplomatic solution to the iranian nuclear issue. They call on Iran to comply fully with IAEA February BOG resolution and requirements, including the full suspension of all enrichment related and reprocessing activities. They recognize legitimate rights for the Iranian people to develop a safe, sustainable nuclear power generation programme proven to be for peaceful purposes, in compliance with NPT obligations of Iran and to enjoy the benefits thereof.

By effectively removing international concerns in the long run, Iran would pave the way for the international cooperation necessary for the development of such a programme. The Russian proposal of a joint-venture for uranium enrichment located in Russia is widely supported by the international community and represents a way forward in that direction."