Azerbaijan, Baku, Apr. 1 / Trend T.Konyayeva /
Russia's position on the Iranian nuclear program remains unchanged, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko was quoted as saying by the Vesti television channel.
"We do not believe that sanctions can address the Iranian problem, although at times one has to resort to sanctions to induce Tehran to take the path of negotiations," he said.
He also added that the use of sanctions should be approached carefully and thoughtfully.
"Sanctions should be 'intelligent' and should not punish the whole country," he said. "These measures should be focused, pointed and aimed at preserving the nuclear nonproliferation regime."
The United States and other Western countries accuse Iran of developing nuclear weapons for military purposes under the guise of a peaceful nuclear energy program. Tehran denies the charges, saying that its nuclear program is aimed solely at meeting the country's electricity needs. The U.N. Security Council adopted five resolutions in connection with the suspension of Iran's nuclear program. Three involve the use of economic sanctions on Iran.
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