Iran: Russia would send a "respectful" signal to Tehran to co-operate fully with nuclear weapons inspectors, President Vladimir Putin said at the weekend, but he gave no indication of meeting US demands to cancel an $800-million contract to build a nuclear power plant in southern Iran, writes Deaglán de Bréadún, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, in New York
The Russian leader was speaking in a joint news conference with President Bush at the end of a two-day meeting in Camp David outside Washington. Mr Bush had indicated during the week that Iran's nuclear potential would be a major item on the agenda.
There was an immediate response from the foreign ministry in Tehran which said Iran would not compromise on its right to acquire nuclear technology but that there was no question of developing weapons of mass destruction.
"Renouncing nuclear technology or enrichment is not something that Iran will accept a compromise on," a foreign ministry spokesman told reporters. "We are not developing weapons of mass destruction. Our activities are transparent," he added.
At Camp David, Mr Putin said Russia would "give a clear but respectful signal to Iran about the necessity to continue and expand its co-operation" with international inspectors. The International Atomic Energy Agency has set a deadline of October 31st for Iran to respond to allegations that it is developing atomic weapons.
Emphasising their agreement at this level, Mr Bush said: "We share a goal and that is to make sure Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon, or a nuclear weapons programme."
Despite making only modest progress with his Russian counterpart, Mr Bush continued to highlight his personal regard for Mr Putin: "I like him. He's a good fellow to spend quality time with."
He added: "Because we've got a trustworthy relationship, we're able to move beyond any disagreement over a single issue."
Mr Putin told the news conference any Russian contribution to Iraq's reconstruction would depend on a UN Security Council resolution. The US is seeking to have a resolution passed by the Council authorising a multinational force and calling for international aid to Iraq.
Along with France and Germany, Russia is demanding a more significant role for the UN and rapid progress towards the restoration of Iraqi self-rule.
"We had differences over Iraq in terms of the practical way of how to resolve this problem," Mr Putin said, "but we had understanding on the essence of the problem." As for reconstruction assistance, he said the degree and the extent of Russian participation "will be determined after we see the resolution".
While Mr Putin insisted that the transition to Iraqi self-rule should happen "as soon as possible", he acknowledged that the process "should go ahead stage by stage".
Mr Bush expressed some muted criticism of Russian behaviour in Chechnya. "No cause justifies terror," he said. "Terrorists must be opposed wherever they spread chaos and destruction, including Chechnya."
However he added: "A lasting solution to that conflict will require an end to terror, respect for human rights and a political settlement that leads to free and fair elections."