In a report today, the AP  notes that Iran has indicated the Western incentives to halt its nuclear program are an acceptable basis to begin talks. No sensible person can read that as but yet another stall effort. Nevertheless this Russian response is heartening

Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachev, the Kremlin—linked chairman of the international affairs committee of the lower house of parliament, greeted Tehran's announcement with guarded optimism.

"On the one hand we must hail any readiness by Tehran at least to discuss the proposals of the six nations," he told The Associated Press. "Unfortunately, we have already witnessed such signals in the past, which then were not followed up."
He suspected Iran of "dragging its feet" to avoid unnecessary concessions.

"Iran is playing with fire," he warned. "The international community may one day run out of patience and unfortunately, the point of view of those who call for maybe a tougher stance on Iran may prevail. Iran must clearly understand that." [emphasis added]

Clarice Feldman   7 16 06