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Russia to take active part in Iran deal implementation — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that the solution that has been found will play an important role in the cause of strengthening the non-proliferation regime in general

VIENNA, July 14. /TASS/. Russia will participate actively in implementing the agreements reached at talks between six major powers and Iran on resolving Tehran’s nuclear issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on Tuesday.

"This concerns two issues directly mentioned in the documents, such as the removal of low-enriched uranium from Iran to Russia in exchange for supplies of natural uranium there," Lavrov said.

"This also concerns the repurposing of the former enrichment facility in Fordow into a stable isotope production facility for medical and industrial aims," Russia’s top diplomat said.

Speaking on a broader context of the agreements reached in Vienna Tuesday after more than two weeks of negotiations, Lavrov noted that the solution that has been found "will play an important role in the cause of strengthening the non-proliferation regime in general."

"It will no doubt have a healthful influence on the overall situation in the Middle East, the north of Africa and the Persian Gulf," he stressed. Third, of course, the implementation of this agreement will allow approaching other problems that exist in the region, he said.

Lavrov said in particular, the preconditions will be strengthened for completing the effort on convening the conference on creating a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

Under the deal, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran has agreed not to enrich uranium more than 3.67% for 15 years. All enrichment and research activities will be conducted solely at the Natanz facility. The Fordow facility will conduct neither enrichment nor research activities. Nor will it store nuclear materials.

The document stipulates that the arms embargo against Iran will remain for another five years. Sanctions may be restored within 65 days if Tehran violates the deal. The agreement will come into force 90 days after the date of adoption of the UN Security Council’s resolution.