Teheran Forgives Kyiv For Bushehr Unpleasantness

"A certain pause" in the relations, according to Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleksandr Maidannyk, has ended with the visit of Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Morteza Sarmadi. The visit does not mean, however, that Ukraine will soon receive a steady stream of Iranian oil: Mr. Sarmadi said that in order to negotiate this concretely we need to finish the construction of the Odesa terminal. In addition, the Iranian deputy oil minister will also soon be visiting Kyiv.

Mr. Sarmadi said that Iran had come to the conclusion that the Bushehr issue is a matter for discussion between Ukraine and Russia, the latter also being a party to the Iranian contract. This is why he came to remind us that Iran was interested in purchasing Ukrainian oil and gas equipment and railroad cars, making Ukrainian-licensed aircraft (the first Iranian-made An-140 is expected roll off the line in six months), inviting Ukrainian geologists, as well as selling some of its goods on the Ukrainian market. Iran is also "a factor of security and peace in the region" (although the US is not sure of this, still blacklisting Iran) and currently chairs the Islamic Conference.

It appears that the Ukraine-Turkmenistan-Iran triangle, stillborn and dead for three years, might also be resuscitated. But, to do so, the parties should solve the problems of interbank payments.

Iran can also support Ukraine in its plans for a seat on the UN Security Council, involve Kyiv in closer cooperation with Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and receive Chornobyl-affected children for recuperation.

Statistics claim over 100 Ukrainian enterprises have now concluded contracts worth a total of $900 million with Iran (the aircraft factory contract comes to about $300 million). Perhaps the development of economic ties is the best diplomacy.