Iran Hints At Way Out Of Crisis

Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator (epa) May 9, 2006 -- Iran's top nuclear negotiator says a proposal to allow Tehran to enrich uranium on Russian soil remains a possible way out of the dispute over its nuclear program.

Ali Larijani said, however, that Iran needs more time to work out details.

Larijani made the remarks after Russia and China on May 8 refused to support a draft resolution by the UN Security Council authorizing possible sanctions against Tehran.

Washington says Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons.

Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

Larijani praised Russia and China, citing them as countries that have "more realistic positions" than others.

He also sought to prise apart the positions of EU states and the United States, saying "our advice to the other countries of Europe is not to follow the policy of one country that will create headaches in the region. We think the European Union has the potential to resolve this issue."

(AP, AFP, Reuters)