MOSCOW -- A Russian diplomat on Monday urged "maximum patience" and dynamics in resolving the Iranian nuclear standoff.
"Everyone should demonstrate maximum patience and concentrate on building up the dynamics that appeared thanks to the efforts of the six world powers and Iran itself," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview published by the Russian daily Vremya Novostei.
Ryabkov also spoke highly of the recent progress made by the six world powers and Iran.
"During less than one month, concrete and potentially effective solutions were found," he said.
"One cannot pretend now that everything remains as it used to be because there are changes, especially considering the latest developments," he was quoted as saying by the Inter fax news agency.
At a meeting between Iran and top envoys from the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 1, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili promised that Tehran would soon open the facility near Qom to UN inspectors.
Meanwhile, a proposal has been presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling for most of Iran's existing low-grade uranium to be shipped to Russia and France for processing into fuel rods with a purity of 20 percent.
The higher-level enriched uranium would be transported back to Iran to be used in a research reactor in Tehran for the manufacture of medical radioisotopes.
"The plan related to the Tehran reactor, if implemented, would help calm down emotions and allow evaluation of the situation realistically," Ryabkov said. "In fact, Iran is demonstrating readiness to cooperate with IAEA and with others. It is a good sign."
The IAEA's enrichment plan was further discussed at talks held in Vienna last week between the United States, Russia, France and Iran.
The United States, Russia and France have all voiced their support to the proposal. Iran said it would respond in the next week.
"So far, Iran has not officially confirmed its consent. But we expect that the necessary step will be taken and the agreement turns out acceptable for the Iranian side as well," Ryabkov said.
