Thursday, May 18 2006 12:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: Russia yesterday (May 17, 2006) said that it was premature to mull sanctions against Iran over its reluctance to abandon its nuclear programme and cautioned any immediate attempts to create negative scenarios' on Tehran would fall flat.

"Before thinking about how to punish Iran, it is necessary to focus on a search for a decision that would encourage Iran to resume a dialogue," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

"Attempts to create a negative scenario will not lead to success," he said.

The US, Britain and France have been pushing for a new draft UN Security Council resolution providing for tough sanctions against Iran, including the use of force.

Earlier this week, foreign ministers of Russia and China in Beijing ruled out backing for any UNSC resolution authorising use of force against Iran and reiterated the need to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table.