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Iran talks delicately poised

Atul Aneja

Efforts to defuse crisis on

DUBAI: Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity, Iran, Russia and China have stepped up efforts to keep negotiations on Iran's controversial nuclear programme confined to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Russians are playing a lead role in identifying the basic elements of a deal which can block the United Nations Security Council from becoming the key forum for addressing the crisis.

After hectic diplomacy in recent weeks, progress in negotiations is hinging on one key issue — whether Iran should be allowed to conduct small-scale uranium enrichment for research purposes.

U.S. firm on stand

Russia feels that Iran should be allowed to do so, provided it does not get access to technology that can be used for making atomic weapons. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov headed for Washington on Monday where discussions on this proposal are taking place. He met U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday night and will call on President George Bush later on Tuesday.

The U.S. is firm that Iran must cease all nuclear work, including small-scale uranium processing for research.

"You can't have the regime pursuing enrichment on any scale, because pursuing enrichment on any scale allows them to master the technology, complete the fuel cycle — and then that technology can easily be applied to a clandestine programme for making nuclear weapons," said the State Department. Ms. Rice also reportedly called IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei on Monday to stress the American standpoint. Contrary to Washington's stance, Mr. ElBaradei has expressed cautious optimism about achieving a breakthrough. "The sticking point remains the question of the centrifuge-related R and D [research and development]," he told reporters in Vienna where he addressed the 35 member IAEA Board on Monday.

According to an AFP report, Iran has agreed to a maximum two-year moratorium on industrial scale production of enriched uranium.

Analysts point out that there are two main elements for easing the tensions. There has to be a broad acceptance by all the "interested parties" that Iran should be allowed small-scale research under safeguards. Second, once this is achieved, talks with the E.U. should resume for a final settlement.

China urged Iran on Tuesday to cooperate with the IAEA, but also called upon all sides to exercise restraint.

"There is still time for a settlement of the issue within the framework of the IAEA," said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. The on-going IAEA meeting in Vienna is expected to hear Mr. Elbaradei's report on Iran, and the assessment would be passed to the Security Council as decided by the agency's Board on February 4.

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