VOA常速英语2007-Russia Calls for Transparent Iranian Nuclear Pro

By Peter Fedynsky
Moscow
10 October 2007

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Iran's nuclear program must become more transparent¹. But he says there is no evidence that Tehran is seeking to develop a nuclear bomb.  He spoke² at a Moscow news conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is on his first official visit to Russia as head of state.  VOA Moscow Correspondent Peter Fedynsky has details.

The leaders of Russia and France said they discussed a number of issues, including Kosovo, Syria, Lebanon and Iran's nuclear program.  The Iranian nuclear issue was the only one they spoke about publicly in detail. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tehran must be encouraged to make its nuclear program more transparent, but he indicated the program does not seem to pose a threat.

Mr. Putin says no data suggests Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, and therefore there is no reason to believe that Iran has such plans.  He says Russia shares the view that all of Iran's programs should be made absolutely clear.

Mr. Putin said he and Mr. Sarkozy agreed that Iran is taking steps to achieve transparency, adding that Russia will continue to work cooperatively on the issue in the United Nations Security Council.

But Moscow opposes French and other Western calls for increased international sanctions against Iran to prevent development of a nuclear weapon.

President Sarkozy said Mr. Putin's statement is important, coming a few days before the Russian leader's visit to Iran.

The French president says it appears the Iranians are willing to cooperate. 

But he said France and Russia do not have the same view of what is happening in Iran.

Both presidents spoke of increased Franco-Russian economic cooperation and investment opportunities in each other's markets. 

President Putin said trade between the two countries increased in 2006 by more than 37 percent over the previous year, reaching $13.5 billion.  Mr. Putin said trade this year is even better $7 billion in the first six months.

The two countries hope to further expand relations in aviation and automobile³ manufacturing, space, telecommunications and transportation infrastructure⁴.  President Putin said Russia is seeking to develop a launch complex for its Soyuz spacecraft at the French Space Center in Guiana. The two leaders also discussed energy cooperation, including nuclear power and French participation⁵ in the development of Russia's large Shtokman gas field.

The Russians expressed interest in simplified French visa procedures, and Mr. Putin highlighted his country's efforts to improve border controls to protect against illegal immigrants and drug trafficking from the East.

The French president acknowledged that he intends to visit Memorial, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Moscow that has been critical of Russian military activity in Chechnya.  Mr. Putin said he does not oppose the visit.

Russia has faced international criticism for closing a number of NGOs.  Mr. Putin's praise for Memorial was mixed with criticism.

He says it is good that organizations indicate the mistakes of those in power.  But he also said such organizations should not be used by one government against another to pursue foreign policy objectives.

Mr. Putin said Memorial belongs to an official council of NGOs that advise the government.
 
Looking toward Russia's March presidential election, Mr. Sarkozy invited the Kremlin leader to visit France during his first trip abroad after he leaves the Russian presidency⁶.

1 transparent   

adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的

参考例句：

• The water is so transparent that we can see the fishes swimming.水清澈透明，可以看到鱼儿游来游去。
• The window glass is transparent.窗玻璃是透明的。

2 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

3 automobile   

n.汽车，机动车

参考例句：

• He is repairing the brake lever of an automobile.他正在修理汽车的刹车杆。
• The automobile slowed down to go around the curves in the road.汽车在路上转弯时放慢了速度。

4 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

5 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

6 presidency   

n.总统(校长，总经理)的职位(任期)

参考例句：

• Roosevelt was elected four times to the presidency of the United States.罗斯福连续当选四届美国总统。
• Two candidates are emerging as contestants for the presidency.两位候选人最终成为总统职位竞争者。