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Middle East and North Africa

Lavrov: Sanctions against Iran must be softened if progress reached on nuclear issue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gave an interview to The Washington Post

Photo EPA/MARTIAL TREZZINI

Photo EPA/MARTIAL TREZZINI

NEW YORK, September 26 (Itar-Tass) - International sanctions against Iran should be eased, if progress is made in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed this view in an interview with The Washington Post published on Thursday.

“The sanctions (on Iran) were imposed because of the lack of results in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. If progress is achieved, this must be followed and reciprocated by softening and eventually lifting the sanctions,” the Russian foreign policy chief stated.

He also called encouraging the Iranian authorities’ recent statements. “So far, what we hear from Tehran is encouraging. They confirmed the need to continue negotiations, they expressed their desire and willingness to be more transparent and to be more concentrated on reaching a result. Provided, of course, that the reciprocity is there,” Lavrov said.

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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