Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart George W. Bush on Wednesday discussed over phone on the Iran nuclear issue and US plan to deploy an anti-missile defense system in central Europe.

"A serious political signal has been sent to Tehran about the need to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the international community," the Itar-Tass news agency quoted the presidential press service as saying.

They also noted that the recently adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1747 clearly ruled out the use of force against Iran and stressed the importance of the joint statement of the six foreign ministers who confirmed their commitment to negotiations.
 
Putin expressed Russia's concerns about US plans to establish an anti-missile defense system base in central Europe.

The UN Security Council passed the Resolution 1747 last Saturday. It called for a ban of Iranian arms exports, a freeze of assets of an additional 28 individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The resolution called for voluntary restrictions on travel by the individuals subject to sanctions, on arms sales to Iran and on new financial assistance or loans to the Iranian government. It also asked the IAEA to report back in 60 days on whether Iran has suspended enrichment work.

Iran on Sunday said it decided to limit its cooperation with the IAEA, saying the resolution would have no impact on Iran's economy.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2007)