Moscow: Russia and China should attend Iran nuclear talks / Kremlin calls France tool of terrorist proliferation

Pars Today- The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman called it as necessary the presence of her country and China in Iran nuclear talks.

The US President, Donald Trump, has informed of sending a letter to Tehran about Iran's nuclear program, while it was Trump himself who unilaterally left the nuclear agreement known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in his first term in office. According to Pars Today, quoting from IRNA, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday, "The fate of the JCPOA and the prospect of multilateral efforts concerning Iran's nuclear program, cannot be determined without the participation of Russia and China and, definitely, they cannot be dictated from outside."

Zakharova added, "Moscow is ready for constructive interaction with all parties on the issue of Iran's nuclear agreement."

Russia calls France as tool of proliferation of terrorists

Another news about Russia indicates that, in reaction to the allegations of the French government on Russia's involvement in 'terrorism', Zakharova issued a statement on Thursday, announcing, "France itself has turned into the tool of proliferation of terrorists." This Russian diplomat added, "Moscow always condemns terrorism strongly in all its forms and manifestations regardless of who takes terrorist measures when and where."

European Council warns against escalation of Russian sanctions

Meanwhile, the leaders of the EU member states, issuing a joint statement on Thursday, announced that the Russian properties will be frozen in Europe till the end of Ukraine war and, in case of Russia's opposition to the ceasefire proposal, further and tougher sanctions will be imposed on the country. The leaders of 27 European countries renewed their "decisive support" for Ukraine in the statement and declared that they will continue to send military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Russia, US to negotiate in Riyadh

The EU has announced warning against escalation of anti-Russia sanctions while Yuri Ushakov, an Advisor to President Vladimir Putin, said, "The negotiations between Moscow and Washington on Ukraine will be held on March 24 in Riyadh."

Ukraine, Russia exchange 175 POWs

However, the Russian defense ministry announced that after negotiations with the Ukrainian side, 175 Russian soldiers have been released and returned from the regions under Ukrainian control. Moscow has also delivered 175 Ukrainian prisoners of war alongside 22 other soldiers who were badly injured to Kiev.

RM/UR