EU, Russia Tell Iran 'Door Open' To Diplomatic Solution

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmud Ahmadinejad, in June (epa) October 23, 2006 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said today that Russia and the European Union are still seeking a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.

Ferrero-Waldner told journalists after meeting Lavrov that "the door is still open" for a diplomatic solution.

Lavrov declined to comment on what Russia's position would be if the issue of imposing sanctions were discussed in the United Nations Security Council.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad reiterated today that his country will not retreat "an inch" over its nuclear program. He said no political pressure would change this attitude.

(AP, AFP)