Sergei Lavrov Quotes (61 Quotes)

The content and direction of our relations to a large extent determine the tendencies of the continent's development. All of Europe benefits from the Russian-German friendship and cooperation,

Russia is still convinced of the necessity to guarantee the International Atomic Energy Agency the opportunity to work in Iran.

Our expectations, to be honest, are limited, but we will make all necessary efforts to stop the situation becoming more acute and any move in the direction of use of force.

not taking any serious steps ... against terrorism.

were clearly intended to break off any move forward in the Palestinian-Israeli area of a Middle East settlement.

The majority of provisions have been coordinated, and there is the hope that work on it the convention will be completed in the next few days.

The Russian proposal to create a joint venture for the enrichment of uranium in Russia is part of a general effort to remove concerns on the Iranian nuclear program.

The situation surrounding the Palestine National Authority and Iraq does not inspire optimism. Add to this the situation surrounding Syria and the Iranian nuclear problem. It is important for us, jointly with our Jordanian colleagues, to compare our understanding of the problems and think how crises could be avoided.

Individual issues remain that must be closed.

As Russian society is becoming increasingly consolidated and as its economy grows, forces are emerging which, by mere inertia, view our country as an enemy... (But) we will not allow anyone to provoke us to adopt primitive anti-Western policies,

If such plans exist they will not be able to solve this problem. On the contrary they could create a dangerous explosive blaze in the Middle East, where there are already enough blazes.

This will be the key issue of the discussion during a meeting under the IAEA Board of Governors.

Besides the traditional bilateral cooperation in the trade and economic spheres, it is high time to think of joint projects on the markets of other countries involving our scientific-technical and financial potentials,

Such issues must be solved by realizing appropriate agreements fit with all concerning parties. It may take more time, effort and diplomatic skills, any issue may need a long time to reveal the truth about it.

My colleague gave assurances that cooperation with the commission would continue.

Of course, we discussed the Iranian nuclear problem and our common position is that all remaining questions should be settled through the IAEA,

Iran should do much more than it has done and our common efforts should aim for a solution that provides answers to all the questions.

We have certain differences over the ways to pursue our goals, but our final aims coincide, in my opinion.

Commodity turnover between our countries is growing, but we also want to develop investment cooperation.

This problem can only be resolved through talks. Any haste in imposing things could create a very serious precedent and affect not only this region.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should continue considering the Iranian nuclear program. Iran has agreed to cooperate with the IAEA, and it is important that the agency is ready to carry on the work,

Such a dialogue should ensure policy continuity in the Palestinian National Authority as soon as a new Palestinian government is formed. It is necessary to prevent violence and put the peace process with Israel back on track.

I am convinced the United States, as much as Russia, wants stability in the international relations and will achieve its goals on the basis of international law.

If the PA (Palestinian Authority) does not take serious and tangible action against terrorism, there will be no diplomatic progress,

The draft includes points that effectively lay the groundwork for sanctions against Iran. We will hardly be able to support this version.

Sanctions are not the best or the only way to solve international problems.

When he said that Russia should wait for new attacks, goes beyond all limits of law and morals and we hope proper measures will be taken in regards to him.

While Iran is cooperating with the IAEA, while it is not enriching uranium and observing a moratorium, while IAEA inspectors are working in the country, it would be counter-productive to report this question to the UN Security Council,

Such a country that has nuclear weapons is a danger, not only to Israel and the Middle East, but also to Europe,

Before we call any situation a threat, we need facts, especially in a region like the Middle East where so many things are happening.

Russia, which has good relations with Syria and Iran , will help Iraq come to an agreement with them on questions regarding security in the country,

I doubt we would accept (a proposal) taken behind our back and then presented to us as the only outcome possible.

There is no competition between Russia and the U.S. in the matter.

The seals were removed in the presence of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who must accept an invitation from a country to be present at such operations.

I am sure the key role in the implementation of our goals will go to our business structures and their establishments in the face of commerce and trade chambers. It is important that we can do it now jointly using the mechanisms and potential of the Russian-Arab business council, which is actively supported by the Russian Foreign Ministry,

I also think we have to stick to the text of the agreement. ... The most important thing is to see that the agreement is carried out.

The result we achieved is a compromise that does not solve all the problems,

I was authorized to say we are deeply concerned about the developments in Liberia, ... We appeal to the international community to provide humanitarian assistance.

The deadlines outlined in the proposed draft are quite categorical and provide a foundation for sanctions against Iran. We consider it all premature.

All members of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty have this right,

We agreed to continue contact on the issue to promote its solution in cooperation with other countries, in the first place with the European troika,

Slovakia receives Russian natural gas and oil and it is a central transit country. We agreed to start talks on preparations for a new agreement on gas, as the current agreement expires in 2008 and we must prepare in advance to conclude a new agreement.

The question of sanctions against Iran puts the cart before the horse. Sanctions are in no way the best, or the only, way to solve the problem.

Iran, like any other country, has the full right to develop its peaceful nuclear energy,

We are very concerned about the deteriorating situation in Iraq. We are positive that starting a dialogue to promote national reconciliation and peace is the most important thing at the moment.

The contribution of these organizations could be very interesting. NGOs have both the desire and capabilities to develop topics to achieve specific, tangible results for ordinary people.

This way we can find a decision acceptable by all sides that, on the one hand, allows Iran its lawful right to a peaceful nuclear energy program and, on the other hand, does not allow any doubts about the peaceful character of this activity,

We think that the current situation permits us to develop this issue and to do everything possible within the means of this organization without referring this issue to other organizations so far,

The new ambassador's approach is reassuring. This is a person who does not see his post merely as a platform for PR or propaganda - he is a man of business,

We consider it (the proposal) quite workable. It can lead us to a comprehensive package of agreements that will provide a reliable solution to the Iranian nuclear problem.