It was reported on June 21 that President Vladimir Putin of Russia stated, "There is no evidence that Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons."
According to Yonhap News, citing local Russian media, President Putin made these remarks during a press interview after attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on this day (local time). He said, "Iran has repeatedly declared that it does not pursue the development of nuclear weapons."
President Putin asserted, "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not have any evidence related to Iran's development of nuclear weapons," adding, "Russia, like the IAEA, does not possess any such evidence, nor has there ever been any such evidence in the past." He also mentioned that this information had been conveyed to the Israeli leadership.
However, on June 12, the IAEA adopted a resolution stating that Iran had failed to fulfill its nuclear inspection and verification obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This is the first time in 20 years since 2005 that the IAEA has resolved that Iran failed to meet its obligations under the safeguards agreement.
President Putin also stated, "Iran has the right to pursue a nuclear technology program for peaceful purposes," and added, "We are prepared to provide the necessary support and cooperation for Iran's peaceful nuclear development." He went on to emphasize that the crisis related to Iran's nuclear program should be resolved through 'negotiations.'
Meanwhile, armed clashes between Iran and Israel over Iran's nuclear development have continued for more than a week.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
