DHAKA: Russian president Vladimir Putin praised the US role in forging an interim deal to ease concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme but said he hoped the blacklisting of additional Iranian companies under existing sanctions would not undermine progress toward a comprehensive agreement.

‘As for sanctions, I am certain that this is a counterproductive decision,’ Putin told a news conference, reports The Jerusalem Post.

‘I hope ... movements in this direction will not be a barrier to all of us moving forward toward a solution to the Iranian nuclear problem.’

BDST: 2105 HRS, DEC 19, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor