Russia and France called on Iran on Tuesday to suspend the enrichment and processing of uranium as Iran delayed its talks with Russia on Moscow's uranium enrichment proposal.

"Russia and France call on Iran to fulfill the February resolution and the demands of the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency, including full suspension of all activities related to enrichment and processing," the two countries said in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin's visit to Moscow.

The statement recognized "Iran's legitimate right to develop a safe and sustainable nuclear power program and enjoy its benefits on condition that its peaceful nature is guaranteed."

Russia has proposed that uranium enrichment -- the most sensitive part of the nuclear fuel cycle -- be carried out under a joint venture on the former Soviet republic's soil. But Javad Vaidi, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Tuesday the talks with Russia, originally scheduled to begin Thursday, would be delayed until Feb. 20.

Vaidi also confirmed his country has resumed some work on uranium enrichment.

Western countries have backed Russia's proposal to enrich uranium for Iran on its soil, saying it could help allay concerns about Iran potentially producing weapons-grade nuclear material.

The compromise proposal "has drawn wide support from the international community and provides the chance to move forward in this direction," the statement said.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said after talks with Villepin that Russia is "alarmed by the course of developments," but he insisted "the possibilities offered by diplomatic channels have not been exhausted."

Villepin arrived in the Russian capital Monday night for a two- day visit, during which he met Fradkov and President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and issues over Iran, Hamas and Iraq.

Putin welcomed France's role in developing Russia-European Union (EU) relations.

"We view France as a reliable partner in building relations between Russia and the EU," Putin told Villepin at a meeting in the Kremlin on Tuesday.

Source: Xinhua