Russia urges "political will" ahead of Iran nuclear talks

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Monday called on relevant parties to demonstrate "political will" in the upcoming Iran nuclear talks in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"If bargaining is to begin, firstly, political will must be demonstrated, as well as the inner resolve to move into this stage, " Ryabkov told the press ahead of a new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the six major powers -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany, known as the P5+1.

"We want all negotiators to realize that no more time can be wasted. Pauses lasting eight or even 15 months are unacceptable," Ryabkov said.

"The worst problem is how the parties can come to terms on the balance of interests. Clearly, no one will disclose how matters actually stand at home. Something must be gained in exchange," he said.

"Last year was filled with exchanges of proposals. Now we must take another step, identify the problems - several problems - and see where talks could begin and which of the parties should do what and in what sequence in order to move the problems from the category of disputable to that of settled," Ryabkov said.

Sanctions could be lifted only after the international community receives guarantees that Iran's program is exclusively peaceful, he added, urging Iran to cooperate with the international community more intensively.

The fresh round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday.

Almaty (Xinhua)