'Safety guarantee' for Iran

The six powers negotiating with Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program could offer Teheran security guarantees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters yesterday.

"I think the 'Six' could make the following step: directly put concrete offers on the negotiating table, give Iran security guarantees and ensure a more distinguished place in negotiations on the situation in the Middle East," Lavrov said.

Lavrov did not specify what security guarantees might be offered but said a combination of negotiations and incentives could help solve the row over Iran's nuclear program and wider Middle East problems.

(China Daily 05/15/2008 page12)