AFP: Russia warns US not to use nuclear issue to change Iran

[Eugene]

Russia warns US not to use nuclear issue to change Iran

Sun Mar 18, 8:43 AM ET

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia's security chief issued a veiled warning to
Washington on Sunday not to use the Iranian nuclear issue to try to
change Tehran's political course.

"We oppose this question being used as an instrument of pressure,
being used to interfere in Iran's internal affairs," said Igor Ivanov,
the head of Russia's Security Council, Interfax news agency reported.

-snip-

A nuclear-armed Iran "would present a threat to Russia's interests both
directly and indirectly. We will do everything to make sure this doesn't
happen," Ivanov said.

He also said that Russia's suspension last week of plans to launch a
nuclear power plant it is building near the Iranian town of Bushehr was
not linked to Iran's possible pursuit of nuclear weapons.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070318/wl_mideast_afp/russiairannuclear_070318124319

Related: Russia wants Iran to answer IAEA questions, but opposes interference - Igor Ivanov - Interfax

[Amused Musings]

1. Unless, of course

Iran defaults on their construction payments to Russia. Ivanov is only telling a half-truth. The suspension of the building project is not because Russia is worried about the pursuit of nuclear weapons, it is about cash. Russia is happy to play along with whoever as long as they pay. If it means sticking a finger in America's eye, all the better. But as can be seen in Belarus and Ukraine, if one does not pay, they will get Russia's famous "cold shoulder."

Im sorry I know that was a bad joke but I couldn't help it.