Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich told IRNA on Thursday that Jalili and Ashton’s direct talks keep the process of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 -- Russia, China, France, the US, the UK and Germany -- dynamic.
Lukashevich emphasized that Russia is against a long hiatus in talks between Iran and the P5+1, adding that Moscow’s stance regarding negotiations has not changed.
The Russian official went on to say that Moscow believes continuation of talks between Iran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is necessary and will work towards this goal.
Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Baqeri and Helga Schmid, deputy to the EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton, held daylong talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul on July 24.
The meeting was held three weeks after Iran and the P5+1 held expert-level talks in Istanbul with the participation of representatives and experts from both sides.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.
Iran rejects the allegations, arguing that as a signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of IAEA, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
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