Russia backs deadline on Iran, ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah: FM
20/7/2006 17:06
Russia would back a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah
group, and a deadline on Iran to reply to an international incentive package on
its nuclear program, local press reported today.
Russia is calling for an
immediate declaration of a ceasefire as a first step to solve the escalating
conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview
with Kommersant newspaper.
Lavrov's remarks came as Israel continued its air
strikes on Lebanon in retaliation for the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by
the Lebanon-based militia group Hezbollah on July 12.
The bombardment has
forced thousands of foreigners to be evacuated from Lebanon.
Russia's support
for a ceasefire echoed a similar stance by France, another permanent member of
the UN Security Council. Paris is calling for a UN ceasefire resolution.
However, Lavrov didn't say whether Russia would back the resolution.
The
United States indicated opposition to proposals on a ceasefire, arguing that a
ceasefire was useless since Hezbollah would not heed it.
In the interview,
Lavrov said Russia would also back a UN resolution setting a deadline for Iran
to press it to reply to the incentive package on its nuclear program.
Six
countries -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States --
offered Iran last month the package of commercial and technical incentives in
return for Iran's suspension of its uranium enrichment.
However, Iran has not
responded to the offer so far.
Lavrov said a lot of time has elapsed in terms
of when Iran would reply to the package as it had promised to Russian President
Vladimir Putin, Lavrov said, without indicating whether Russia would back
sanctions on Iran if it fails to comply.
The United States has accused Iran
of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civil nuclear
program.
Iran has repeatedly denied the charge, claiming its nuclear program
is aimed at generating power to meet the surging domestic demand.
Xinhua
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