“We can’t wait for positive Iranian reply forever” – Russian foreign minister

The international community cannot wait forever for a positive reply from Tehran over its nuclear program, Sergey Lavrov said after talks with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"We agreed to continue to push for positive response to these proposals. But it is clear that we can’t wait forever, and our partners have already spoken about the need to discuss the additional measures of reaching the goals set by the world community in the steps the UN Security Council,” he added.

Iran has recently announced plans to build 10 brand new uranium enrichment facilities, insisting it needs the nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Another topic on the agenda of the Lavrov-Clinton talks was the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty or START.

The Russian foreign minister had something more positive to report to the journalists on the issue, saying there is hope the crucial document may be finalized within weeks.

"The delegations are resuming work next week. They have new specified parameters regarding the issues still to be agreed. We are hoping that they will be through with their work literally within several weeks," he said.

Disagreements over verification and control procedures have so far prevented Moscow and Washington from signing a new deal to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START 1), which expired on December 5.