Russia says next Iran atom talks to be marathon, slams U.N. experts

Iran's national flags are seen on a square in Tehran February 10, 2012, a day before the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia's U.N. envoy on Wednesday said the next round of talks between Iran and six world powers will be a two-week marathon session, while warning a panel of U.N. sanctions experts not to sabotage the final phase of the delicate negotiations.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told the Security Council that the negotiations are scheduled to run from July 2 to July 15 in Vienna. Other senior officials close to the talks confirmed the talks are expected to last two weeks, as a July 20 deadline for a long-term deal approaches.