US should talk to Iran - Russia

RUSSIA: Russia is urging the US to talk to Iran. Russian news agencies quote Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying US talks with Iran could help resolve the international standoff over its nuclear program and boost regional security.

Lavrov spoke to Russian reporters on a flight from Egypt to Spain on Monday.

Russian news agencies indicate he also reiterated the tough position Moscow has set ahead of talks with the United States on a new nuclear arms-control agreement.

Russia wants limits on all nuclear warheads, not just those deemed “operationally deployed,” and it wants to cut not just warheads but also the missiles, bombers and submarines that carry them. Lavrov is to meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Geneva n Friday.

Moscow, Tuesday, AP