MOSCOW – Russia has criticised the release of information in a UN watchdog report pointing to Iranian work on designing an atom bomb, saying it would dim hopes for dialogue with Tehran and could be meant to scuttle chances for a diplomatic solution.
In a sharply worded statement, the Russian foreign ministry said the International Atomic Energy Agency report had turned into a “source of a new increase in tension” over the programme even before its release.
Russia is a partner with the US, Britain, France and Germany as well as China in a group spearheading global diplomatic efforts to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
However, it has repeatedly warned the West that too much pressure on Tehran will dangerously deepen the confrontation. – (Reuters)
BRASILIA – Brazil’s labour minister vowed yesterday not to become the sixth minister to quit over corruption allegations this year, saying he has the support of Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff and his own party.
Carlos Lupi is the latest minister to come under the media spotlight over alleged wrongdoing, worsening a political headache for Ms Rousseff that has distracted the government’s attention from pushing economic reform Bills through congress.
Weekly magazine Veja, citing unidentified lawmakers and officials, reported that advisers to Mr Lupi had demanded kickbacks on government contracts with NGOs. – (Reuters)