Russia welcomed the United States' offer on Thursday to join talks with Iran aimed at resolving the dispute over its nuclear program, saying it represents "a real chance" to settle the problem.

"Moscow welcomes the U.S. declaration of readiness to engage in direct negotiations with Tehran to settle the tensions around Iran's nuclear program," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Now we have a real chance to achieve this settlement. We call on Iran to respond constructively," the ministry said.

In a major policy shift, the United States offered on Wednesday to join the European governments in direct nuclear talks with Iran if Tehran suspended its uranium enrichment activities.

Washington has accused Tehran of secretly developing atomic weapons under a civilian front, a charge denied by Iran, which insists its nuclear program is fully peaceful.

Foreign Ministers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council-- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China-- and Germany are due to meet in Vienna on Thursday over a new European package of incentives aimed at persuading Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment.

Source: Xinhua