Question: Please comment on the developments in the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program.

Answer: One frequently asked question of late has been about the willingness of the six international mediators to continue the dialogue with Iran on the subject of Iran's nuclear program and related issues. In our opinion, we should consider the following points.

For obvious reasons, the agreement reached on May 17 between Brazil, Turkey and Iran on a fuel exchange scheme to power the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) has attracted heightened attention from the international community. This is an important shift in the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program.

Nevertheless, the agenda for dialogue between the Six and Iran, the continuation of which the Russian side has consistently supported, is not confined to the issue of fuel supply for the TRR.

As is known, back in October 2009, the Six together with the Iranian representatives formulated a definite approach to the development of mutual dialogue: essentially that the dialogue should focus on the concerns of the international community regarding Iran's nuclear program, but that the parties should at the same time discuss the other issues which were included in the counter "package" proposals of Tehran. We believe that this approach remains valid.

Unfortunately, we did not see this essential component in the statement of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on May 21, which was issued on behalf of the Six. Actually the General Secretariat of the EU Council exceeded its powers, since such a position had not been agreed upon within the Six.

We continue to follow the previously reached understandings. We expect that our partners will also abide by them.