MOSCOW, September 15 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday Iran's recent proposals to six world powers on global issues require careful analysis and no hasty conclusions should be made.
Iran presented a five-page package of proposals to the Iran Six on September 9, offering international discussions on a variety of global issues including security and nuclear disarmament.
"The proposals, presented by our Iranian colleagues on September 9, should be analyzed carefully before they can be described as containing nothing new," Medvedev told the Valdai Discussion Club.
However, there was disappointment from some countries that "the nuclear package" failed to mention Iran's controversial uranium enrichment program, which Iranian officials have said will not be part of any future talks with the West.
Speaking about Russia's position on Iran's nuclear program, Medvedev said Moscow would act "openly and in a responsible manner" in its relationship with Iran and the Iran Six.
"Our position is open. I think we should be responsible in taking decisions on further negotiations and on any sanctions," he said. "Sanctions are not very effective, but sometimes we are forced to impose sanctions."
The Guardian newspaper reported on Tuesday that Iran would meet with the Iran Six - the U.S., China, Russia, Germany, France and Britain - on October 1 to discuss Tehran's nuclear program and to try and avoid imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Iran has been under pressure to halt uranium enrichment, needed both for electricity generation and weapons production. Tehran has repeatedly rejected the demand, insisting it is pursuing a purely civilian program.
Medvedev said, "Iran has a right for peaceful nuclear power," adding Russia is ready to help the country, "not just with words, but also with actions."
However, Medvedev said Iran's nuclear program has to develop under the control of international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), adding Iran should cooperate actively with the Iran Six and other countries.
Western powers are seeking harsher sanctions against the Islamic Republic if it does not agree to halt uranium enrichment. Russia and China, however, have insisted on diplomatic measures, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Ekho Moskvy radio last week that Iran's proposals included worthwhile elements and could be worked with.
Meanwhile, Mohamed ElBaradei, outgoing director general of international nuclear watchdog, once again urged the Islamic Republic on Monday to clarify all outstanding issues in the dispute over its nuclear program.
