6 world powers discuss sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-06-2006 09:38

High-ranking diplomats from six world powers have met in Paris. They are trying to reach agreement on sanctions against Iran, in response to Tehran's refusal to suspend sensitive nuclear work. The five veto-holding members of the United Nations Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, -- plus Germany held the meeting in the French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

The participants are trying to secure agreement over what economic sanctions to impose on Iran. This, for ignoring a UN deadline on August the 31st to stop enriching uranium.

A draft UN Security Council resolution has been put together by Britain, France and Germany. In it, trade with Iran in goods related to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs would be barred. And restrictions would also be imposed on finance and travel.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy says he is not sure an accord can soon be reached. "I hope that we will succeed at finding an agreement acceptable to the international community. That depends on the efficiency of this draft. I do not know if we will find an agreement tonight." He said.

US Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns says he hopes an agreement can be reached, but there is no guarantee of a major "breakthrough." He said, "We all want to cut off the ability of Iran to seek financial support or technological support to continue its enrichment or missile related programmes, or heavy-water reactor programmes."

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that imposing wide-ranging sanctions would be "irresponsible." He said, "Our western partners wanted to impose wide-ranging sanctions against Iran. Sanctions are disproportionate to the steps taken so far by Iran and offers made by the IAEA. They will harm the process. We are eager to restart the negotiations. And such an attitude would prohibit cooperation with Iran, and will harm the process and will be counter-productive."

Several hours before the meeting, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned that his country would consider any attempt to suspend Iran's nuclear enrichment program, as an "act of hostility." The president also reiterated that his country would not slow down its nuclear program, despite mounting international pressure.

Iran warns EU. Full story >>

Editor:Du Xiaodan