The world powers hoped to secure Iran's approval Friday for a proposed deal that would ship most of its uranium abroad for enrichment. Russia and France, which are both involved in the deal, backed it Friday. U.S. officials have also voiced support.
The draft agreement was formalized Wednesday after three days of talks in Vienna between Iran and world powers.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday he hopes the other nations involved will follow in endorsing the agreement. "We expect not only Iran but other countries involved in the plan proposed by the IAEA to confirm their acceptance of that project," he said, according to the AP. France followed suit, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero saying the deal "is amenable to France." "Mr. El Baradei is at present waiting ... for a clear response from Iran," Valero told reporters at a briefing in Paris on Friday.
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
