Yemen is opposed to solving the issue of Iran's nuclear program by military action, said Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Al-Kurbi Tuesday.

In his statement, Kurbi called on Iran to consult with Russia and seriously consider Russia's advice on how to resolve the nuclear dispute.

Last month, Moscow delivered a written proposal to Iran that Tehran carry out its uranium enrichment on Russian territory. Both the European Union (EU) and the United States have backed the proposal in principle.

Kurbi stressed the dispute should be resolved by dialogue and diplomatic channels, adding that Iran has the right to use nuclear energy to generate electricity.

The minister also called on Iran and other Mideast countries to strive to eliminate the causes of regional tension and to avoid a nuclear arms race.

He said the international community should urge Israel to abandon weapons of mass destruction(WMD) and accept nuclear inspections, which could ensure a WMD-free Mideast.

On Jan. 10 Iran resumed its nuclear research on uranium enrichment which had been suspended for more than two years. As a result, the U.S. and other western nations have called for a referral of Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.

The United States has accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons secretly, insisting that military options can not be ruled out if Iran does not cooperate with the international community. Iran has rejected the charges as being politically motivated.

Source: Xinhua