Russia's Putin, Germany's Merkel Discuss Iran On Phone

Dow Jones Newswires:

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel about Iran and its nuclear program Tuesday, the Kremlin said. In a statement posted on its Web site, the Kremlin said the telephone conversation was initiated by the Germans.

"In the framework of the exchange of opinions on topical bilateral and international relations, Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel discussed the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear problem and the Middle East settlement process," the Kremlin said. "Both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of mutual understanding and emphasized the intention for continuing close coordination." READ MORE

The statement was released some hours after talks in Moscow between French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and top Russian officials.

A joint French-Russian statement called on Iran to halt uranium enrichment, reinforcing international pressure on Tehran amid mounting concerns that it is seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.