Putin says Russia's talks with Iran not going easily

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that talks with Iran on its nuclear issue were not going easily but Russia remains optimistic.

"The Moscow negotiations were difficult. However, we are hoping we shall be able to achieve a positive result. We retain optimism, " Putin told a press conference in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, where he was on a visit, Russian news agencies reported.

"There is now a break in the negotiations to enable the Iranian delegation to consult the authorities," Putin said.

Russia and Iran wrapped up two days of talks on Moscow's uranium enrichment proposal on Tuesday. A top Iranian negotiator labeled the negotiations as "constructive and positive" and said certain elements of the discussion gave hope that an agreement may be reached.

The Russian plan is seen as a crucial attempt to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program before the March 6 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which reports say could start a process leading to UN punishment for Iran.

Source: Xinhua