FORTALEZA, July 16. /ITAR-TASS/. The BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have agreed that the Iranian nuclear problem should be settled by political and diplomatic means.

“While reiterating our view that there is no alternative to a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, we reaffirm our support to its resolution through political and diplomatic means and dialogue,” the BRICS leaders said in the Fortaleza Declaration adopted at their summit meeting on Tuesday. “In this context, we welcome the positive momentum generated by talks between Iran and the E3+3 [or the P5+1 group - Itar-Tass] and encourage the thorough implementation of the Geneva Joint Plan of Action of 24 November 2013, with a view to achieving a comprehensive and long-lasting solution to this issue.”

The BRICS countries have called on Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “to continue strengthening their cooperation and dialogue on the basis of the Joint Statement signed on 11 November 2013.”

“We recognize Iran's inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in a manner consistent with its international obligations,” the Declaration says.