[Unofficial translation from Russian]

. . .

Question: Do you think it possible that a discussion of the nuclear problem of Iran will take place in the UN Security Council before this month's end?

Foreign Minister Lavrov: So far no concrete proposals have been received in the UN Security Council. Consultations are continuing, within whose framework it is necessary to take into account those same fundamental tasks that the Six have set themselves in line with the IAEA and UN Security Council decisions. These tasks consist of the necessity to find the most effective measures of further action, measures that would help guarantee the inviolability of the nuclear nonproliferation regime and which would preserve and strengthen the possibilities for the start of negotiations with Iran, taking full account of the lawful rights of that state under the NPT. I think that the consultations which are now being conducted help all their participants to understand better that, on this path, there are real possibilities and chances to get agreements which will open the way to negotiations. Russia will be working toward this end, precisely - using all the possibilities available to us.

Question: Is it possible to exclude Russia's use of the veto power in the UN Security Council if a draft on sanctions against Iran is submitted?

Foreign Minister Lavrov: Regrettably or fortunately, so far there is nothing to be vetoed. There is no resolution. I repeat it, no resolution is being discussed in the Security Council of the United Nations.