Russia FM: We'll demand Iran nuclear program stays civilian

Russia will demand that Iran commit to utilizing its nuclear program for civilian purposes only, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his visiting Israeli counterpart, Avigdor Lieberman, in Moscow on Tuesday.

"We have confirmed the need to assure the international community of the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program," Lavrov said, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.

Lieberman expressed concerns about Russian arms supplies to Iran, and said that he had been assured such sales would only take place if it did not affect the "regional balance of power."

Lavrov said the new U.S. administration's approach to Iran has increased chances of resolving the standoff over its nuclear program, but gave no indication of whether Moscow would increase pressure on Tehran.

Speaking after meeting with Lieberman, he also ceded no ground publicly over Russia's engagement with the violent group Hamas, which has angered Israel.

Lieberman also met with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev on Tuesday in the Russian capital.

At the start of the meeting, Lieberman and Medvedev offered praise for one another. The Russian premier congratulated Lieberman's party, Yisrael Beiteinu, for its strong showing at the polls in Israel's recent parliamentary elections.

Medvedev added that the Kremlin's ties with Jerusalem have special significance due to the large Russian-speaking community that lives in Israel.

During Lieberman's meeting with Lavrov earlier, the Russian foreign minister said his government would demand an explicit Iranian commitment that its nuclear program be geared for civilian purposes only.

In commenting on his policy vis-a-vis the Palestinians, Lieberman said he seeks to involve the Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, in the peace process.

The foreign minister added that he ready "to pack his suitcase today" for talks with Syria provided that Damascus does not place preconditions on the negotiations.

Lieberman said the dispute with the Obama administration over construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank is common amongst allies who occasionally disagree, though the Netanyahu government was not ready to compromise on "natural growth" - the term used to describe the expansion of existing settlements to accommodate the growing populations within their municipal boundaries.

"The United States, like every other normal country, has its own interests," the foreign minister said. "In this case, Israel's interests are identical."

"Israel is ready to abide by prior commitments, but there are things on which we cannot compromise," Lieberman said. "We cannot halt natural growth."

The foreign minister added that the relationship with the U.S. is on "a constructive track."

Lieberman's talks focused on the Iranian nuclear program given the fact that Russia plays a key role as the primary supplier of nuclear equipment. In addition, it is currently opposed to levying additional sanctions against Tehran.

The foreign minister said that if dialogue with the Tehran regime fails, then the international community will have to employ more aggressive means to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Lieberman said the countries' ties "are probably at their highest point" since diplomatic relations were established diplomatic 18 years ago.

Israel wants Russia, however, to use its close relationship with Iran to pressure Tehran to stop nuclear activities it believes are aimed at developing weapons.

Lavrov said he told Lieberman about steps Russia is taking along with other UN Security Council members and Germany, but he said nothing about any efforts by Moscow itself.

He said Russia and the other nations "expect a constructive answer" from Tehran on proposals aimed toward reviving negotiations.

"We really have a very good chance now, in part due to the position of the new U.S. administration," Lavrov said.

Lieberman also met with Medvedev, and was expected to fly to St. Petersburg to meet with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Born and raised in the Soviet Union, Lieberman speaks Russian smoothly and seemed at ease in Moscow. But it was unclear if his background would help him sway Russia on points such as Iran and Hamas - issues that continue to cloud relations.

Unlike its partners in the Quartet leading Mideast peace efforts - the United Nations, European Union and United States - Russia has engaged Hamas and said isolating the group is counterproductive.

Lieberman expressed "deep disappointment" last week over Lavrov's recent meeting in Syria with Hamas leader Khaled Meshal.

On Tuesday, Lavrov said Hamas must help "create the conditions for removal of the blockade of Gaza."

"We are sending the corresponding signals to Hamas and Mahmoud Abbas in terms of the necessity to cooperate in the most serious way," Lavrov said.

Russia has also sought to maintain close relations with the Palestinians.

The Interfax news agency cited an unnamed Russian military official as saying Tuesday that Moscow would deliver 50 armored personnel carriers to the Palestinian Authority from July to September.

Israel initially had balked at the planned deliveries, but has since given its approval.

Russia says the vehicles would be used to help the Palestinians keep order.