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Question (for both ministers): How do you evaluate the fact that the Iranian president has made a proposal regarding a possible resolution of the conflict? How can this conflict be resolved on a long-term basis?

Foreign Minister Lavrov (replies after Steinmeier): I can only add that the Iranian problem can be solved solely by politico-diplomatic methods. This is what we should be concerned with at the Six with the participation of the European Troika, Russia, the US and China. It is important that the positions agreed within this Six should be strictly respected by all members of this group. When some one of the group's participants starts beyond the coordinated approaches to take unilateral steps which in addition are coupled with the imposition of unilateral sanctions, furthermore sanctions against third countries, based on exterritorial application of national legislation, this, of course, seriously undermines common efforts towards a peaceful settlement of this problem.

It is equally inadmissible for some one of the members to try and grossly distort the understanding reached within the group, as was the case on the part of certain of our western partners in this group after the meeting mentioned by Steinmeier in London. This, of course, suggests that someone may also have a different agenda, apart from adherence to a peaceful political settlement of the Iranian nuclear program.

It is in the traditions of Russian diplomacy to fulfill what you agree upon with your partners. This, of course, we also expect from our colleagues in some or other talks.

As to the proposals of Iran, I have not seen them either. I have heard that they concern broad spheres of cooperation: nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, economic interaction, and cooperation on regional problems. Essentially these are the same themes that are contained in the proposals that the Six had sent to Iran and which were later supplemented in London. I think that the Six could also take the following step: clearly place on the negotiation table concrete proposals for safety guarantees for Iran and concrete proposals for ensuring Iran a worthy, equal place in talks on the settlement of all problems in the Near and Middle East. Unfortunately, not all at the Six are ready for this as yet, but I am convinced that this would be the most effective way to remove tension in different parts of the region and settle the Iranian nuclear problem. Of course, all this will call for Iran's parallel, conscientious fulfillment of its obligations for cooperation with the IAEA and compliance with the requirements that the IAEA puts forward and which were backed up by the UN Security Council.

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