Vladimir Putin: We Will Not Allow International Concerns About Iran's Nuclear Programs to Harm Russia's Trade Interests - 2003-06-22

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, stated that he will not allow international concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programs to harm Russia's trade interests. In an interview with the BBC, Mr. Putin acknowledged that there are serious questions regarding Iran's nuclear programs from Moscow's perspective. However, he emphasized that Iran is a traditional neighbor and partner with which Russia has established international cooperation. This statement from Mr. Putin comes a day after Iran promised to cooperate more closely with United Nations nuclear inspectors to alleviate concerns about Tehran's efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Gholamreza Aghazadeh, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, expressed hope on Saturday that Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could reach an agreement on more thorough inspections requested by UN officials. Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, told Reuters today that the agency's experts have observed some cooperation from Tehran but wish for this cooperation to be expanded and expedited. Mr. ElBaradei mentioned that it would take several more months to gain a clear picture of Iran's nuclear programs. Iran has rejected the IAEA's requests for environmental sampling from a power plant in Tehran, deeming such requests illegal and unacceptable. Iran asserts that the 'Kolaie' facility is not nuclear. UN weapons inspectors sought to conduct environmental sampling at the 'Kolaie' facility earlier this month but were denied access. The IAEA on Friday urged Iran to provide full access to such sites to prove it does not have a nuclear weapons production program.