Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday in Teheran no Caspian Sea state should let its soil be used to attack a fellow coastal country, in an apparent response to talk in the West about military strikes on Iran.
The Islamic Republic is embroiled in a nuclear standoff with Western nations which accuse Teheran of seeking atomic weapons, a charge Teheran denies. Washington has refused to rule out the use of military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the row.
Putin's remarks appeared directed at Azerbaijan. Russian media have speculated Washington might be trying to negotiate with Azerbaijan on the right to use military facilities in the Caucasus republic.
Putin's visit to attend a summit of five states surrounding the Caspian Sea has been watched because of Russia's potential leverage, on behalf of fellow world powers, to rein in Iran due to its trade and nuclear supply ties with Teheran.
"We should not even think of making use of force in thisregion," Putin told the summit in Teheran.
"We need to agree that using the territory of one Caspian Sea (state) in the event of aggression against another is impossible," he said at the start of the one-day meeting.
The Caspian Sea countries include Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Russiais annoyed at what it sees as the West's attempts to erode its influence in former Soviet states.
Putin was on the first visit to Iran by a Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin in 1943. He shrugged off a report of a plot to assassinate him that led Russian officials to cast doubt that he would go.
Putin is expected to sign a deal to sell 50 new jet engines to Iran for the Islamic Republic's air force during his visit, a Russian newspaper said yesterday.
Russian business daily Kommersant said an initial $150 million deal for 50 RD-33 turbo-thrust engines for Iran's Azarakhsh fighters could be signed during Putin's visit.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad welcomed Putin and the other leaders with a call for closer cooperation on security issues and deeper economic ties.
"This cooperation - which is intended to prevent military competition in the sea and also warding off hostile forces and at the same time fighting organized crime - will require the establishment of a regional body in the near future," he said.
Russian officials said Iran's nuclear program would top the agenda for bilateral talks. Moscow says it sees no evidence of a military program in Iran and is resisting Western efforts to toughen UN sanctions.
Russiahas also been alarmed by mounting talk in the West that the row could result in conflict. France has been among the most vocal of the world powers warning about a possible war. Moscow insists on dialogue to end the dispute.
"If we have a chance to keep up these direct contacts, then we will do it, hoping for a positive, mutually advantageous result," Putin said in Germany before his arrival.
Putin was expected to see Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who under Iran's clerical rule has ultimate authority and the final say in all state matters such as nuclear policy.
His meetings with Iranian leaders could give Putin a chance to seek a compromise on the nuclear issue.
Putin was also likely to discuss a dispute over Russian delays in building the Bushehr atomic power plant, Iran's first. Russia says Iran is behind in payments but Iran says they are up to date and that Moscow is bowing to Western pressure.
At the summit opening ceremony, leaders spoke about more cooperation in resolving differences over how to divide the Caspian Sea and its huge oil and gas reserves. But Iranian and other officials did not expect a breakthrough.
Questions:
1. How many nations border the Caspian Sea?
2. What does Washington refuse to rule out if the row with Iran cannot be solved through diplomacy?
3. What was the reason given for Russia being annoyed with the US?
4. When was the last visit by a Russian leader to Iran?
Answers:
1. 5 nations.
2. Military intervention.
3. Western attempts to erode Russian influence in former Soviet States.
4. 1943, Josef Stalin.
（英语点津 Linda 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has been published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
