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Russia says the meeting of the Group of
Eight industrialized countries (G8) is not the appropriate venue to
discuss next measures against Iran's nuclear work.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference
that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was the best forum to
decide on Iran's nuclear work.

"The forum recognized by everyone concerning Iran's nuclear program
is, first of all, the Board of Governors at the International Atomic
Energy Agency, Security Council at the UN that has already adopted
several resolutions to support the IAEA and the Group 5+1. So, it would
not be ethical for us during the meeting to make a decision on Iran
ahead of time."

Following a meeting in Canada, the G8 foreign ministers issued a not
so forceful statement on Monday regarding Iran's nuclear work.

The statement said that the G8, consisting of the US, Russia, Japan,
Canada, France, Germany, Britain and Italy, was "open to dialogue" with
Iran but also urged Tehran to further cooperate over its nuclear work.

"Ministers agreed to remain open to dialogue, and also reaffirmed
the need to take appropriate and strong steps to demonstrate
international resolve to uphold the international nuclear
non-proliferation regime and persuade Iran to build greater... >>>