Russia wants signals from Iran on nukes

DIALOGUE PUSH: Russia will push for talks with Iran on its nuclear programme but expects reciprocal signals from Tehran, President Dmitry Medvedev, pictured, told President Bush on Monday, according to a Russian official. (AFP)

Russia will push for dialogue with Iran on its nuclear programme but expects reciprocal signals from Tehran, President Dmitry Medvedev told President Bush on Monday, according to a Russian official.

"Russia will do everything to stimulate dialogue with Iran and expects corresponding signals from the leaders of Iran," Medvedev's diplomatic advisor Sergei Prikhodko told journalists.

Iran last Friday delivered its response to an EU package of incentives to halt the enrichment of uranium, which the West fears is aimed at producing nuclear weapons but which Tehran insists is peacefully oriented.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili has said his country submitted a "constructive and creative" response with "a focus on common ground," but he did not elaborate on the contents.

Just a day later, Tehran offered to negotiate on its nuclear drive but without giving up uranium enrichment.

The United States has said it would consult with its allies before commenting on Iran's response.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told newswire AFP on Monday that he was encouraged by recent dialogue between Iran and the European Union.

Bush and Medvedev held their first face-to-face meeting Monday as the US leader got a chance to weigh up Vladimir Putin's successor and address outstanding disputes between the two nations.

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