Moscow has discussed China’s initiative to hold a multilateral meeting aimed at convincing the United States to rejoin the Iranian nuclear deal with Washington and Beijing and can take part in it, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
"We discussed it with both Chinese and American colleagues. We are open to taking part in this even, even though it is clear that it is crucial to at least set out indicative understanding of what this meeting can result in for it to have meaningful substance," TASS cited him as saying.
The senior diplomat underlined that the meeting is especially relevant as February 21 is approaching when the bill passed in Iran that frees Tehran from complying with the IAEA additional protocol enters into force unless the U.S. lifts its sanctions. "We are calling on the U.S. to show political will and send a signal to Iran and other members of the international community showing readiness to rejoin the JCPOA. It would be important to start by lifting all sanctions which formed the backbone of the so-called policy of maximum pressure towards Iran under the Trump administration," Ryabkov stressed.
The deputy minister is convinced that this step will stop the situation from deteriorating further as a result of pre-announced actions of Tehran. He added that Moscow is calling on the Iranian colleagues to show responsibility and restraint.
