MOSCOW, Feb 11: Russia on Wednesday hailed US President Barack Obama’s offer to hold talks with Iran, saying his “fresh approach” would help international efforts to end a six-year nuclear standoff with Tehran.

At talks with EU officials, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov slammed the approach of ex-president George W. Bush and said Obama’s offer to talk to Iran would help the six major powers trying to find a breakthrough.

He also said Russia was ready to offer greater help for western operations in Afghanistan although this was dependent on the repair of Nato-Russia ties and “respect” for Moscow’s status.

“We expect that the United States, considering the fresh approach that seems noticeable in regard to Iran, will be able to make a more effective contribution in resolving these questions than in recent years,” Lavrov said.

“We attach particular significance to the declared intention of the new Washington administration to start direct dialogue with Iran,” he told a news conference with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

Russia is among six powers dealing with the Iranian nuclear case, comprising the five permanent United Nations Security Council members and Germany.

Russia has sometimes played mediator between Iran and the West, reflecting the two countries’ historical ties and Russian help for Iran in defence and civilian nuclear energy.

Solana has been carrying out direct talks with Iran on behalf of the six powers. “We’re sure this will help the common efforts of the six” international powers dealing with the Iranian nuclear case, Lavrov said.

Lavrov emphasised that Moscow’s more upbeat approach to the Obama administration also extended to help on Afghanistan but said this was conditional on western respect.—AFP