Russia wants Iran arms embargo ended as soon as possible

UFA, Russia: Russia called on Thursday for a UN weapons embargo on Iran to be lifted as soon as possible, saying it would help Tehran contribute to the fight against terrorism. The arms embargo is among stumbling blocks at talks in Vienna between Iran and six major powers, including Russia, on curbing Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. "We are calling for lifting the embargo as soon as possible and we will support the choices that Iran's negotiators make," Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said during a summit of the BRICS emerging economies in the Russian city of Ufa. "Iran is a consistent supporter of the struggle against ISIS and lifting the arms embargo would help Iran to advance its efficiency in fighting terrorism," he told reporters. Lavrov said a deal was "within reach," and that he was ready to return to Vienna when required, but the quality of the agreement was more important than the timing. In Vienna, a senior Western diplomat said there was nothing new in the Russian position on the weapons embargo. "That said, we are working collectively on a way forward on this difficult issue," the senior Western official said. The deadline for the deal has been extended until Friday, but Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said the talks had reached their most difficult phase. "These talks are like alpinists claiming a peak: 95 percent of the way has been completed but there are still several steps, the last few metres (are) the most difficult," Ryabkov said. President Vladimir Putin was due to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani later on Thursday in Ufa. Rouhani will be attending a security summit in the city on Friday. -TOI