Russia hopes talks in Vienna can resolve Iran nuclear crisis

Russia hopes talks in Vienna can resolve Iran nuclear crisis

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke after Washington said it is prepared to join other nations in direct talks with Iran if Tehran first agrees to halt activities that the West fears could allow it to produce a nuclear bomb.

Lavrov refrained from commenting on the conditional U.S. proposal, which was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday.

"What I want to say is this: Tomorrow the EU troika, Russia and America will come together in Vienna to discuss a joint proposal offer to present to Iran," Lavrov said. "The goal of this entire process is to begin negotiations with Iran."

Lavrow was addressing a news conference together with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul.