Brisbane: A senior Russian diplomat said a deal could be reached this month between world powers and Tehran on curbing Iran's nuclear programme if there is the will in Washington and Tehran.
In Australia for a meeting of the G20 major and developing economies, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters six world powers and Iran had never been so close to an agreement and it could be reached by a Nov. 24 deadline.
"Therefore, from (Nov.) 18 to 24 there is enough time for such decisions to be taken," he said.
"But there is no guarantee that these decisions will be taken in those capitals where there are the biggest problems with current solutions, I mean, - Washington and Tehran."
Six powers - Russia, China, the United States, France, Britain and Germany - want to ensure Iran's nuclear programme does not enable it to build nuclear weapons, though Iran says its nuclear work is for civil needs.
Some officials, including from Russia, have expressed doubts a deal can be reached in the timeframe.
Ryabkov also said that after President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama spoke in China on the sidelines of a summit there had been no new impulse for "the normalisation" of bilateral relations.
Ties between Moscow and Washington have plunged to lows unseen since the Cold War over Ukraine, where Russia annexed Crimea in March and is accused by the West of sending arms and soldiers to support a separatist rebellion in its east.
Moscow denies the charges and has criticised the United States for imposing sanctions on Russia over Ukraine.
"Responsibility for the stagnation in our relationship is entirely on the U.S. side," Ryabkov said.
In Australia for a meeting of the G20 major and developing economies, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters six world powers and Iran had never been so close to an agreement and it could be reached by a Nov. 24 deadline.
"Therefore, from (Nov.) 18 to 24 there is enough time for such decisions to be taken," he said.
Six powers - Russia, China, the United States, France, Britain and Germany - want to ensure Iran's nuclear programme does not enable it to build nuclear weapons, though Iran says its nuclear work is for civil needs.
Some officials, including from Russia, have expressed doubts a deal can be reached in the timeframe.
Advertisement
Ties between Moscow and Washington have plunged to lows unseen since the Cold War over Ukraine, where Russia annexed Crimea in March and is accused by the West of sending arms and soldiers to support a separatist rebellion in its east.
Advertisement
"Responsibility for the stagnation in our relationship is entirely on the U.S. side," Ryabkov said.
© Thomson Reuters 2014
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Ukrainian Drones Target Oil Refinery, Power Plants Near Moscow, Says Russia Ukraine Launched Overnight Drone Attack, Says Russia Amid Raging War India Now A Major Geopolitical Actor: Ex-Singapore Diplomat On PM's Russia-Ukraine Visit INDIA's "Hit With Footwear" Protest In Mumbai Over Shivaji Statue Collapse Celebrated "Russian Spy" Whale Hvaldimir Found Dead In Norway: Report "It's Mom, I Love You": Mother Of Israeli-American Found Dead In Gaza Video: Vadodara Animal Rescuers Tripling On Scooter - With A Crocodile Ukrainian Drones Target Oil Refinery, Power Plants In Moscow, Says Russia China Woman Fakes Miscarriages, Forges Medical Records To Claim Rs 7.8 Lakh Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.