Six powers begin talks on new sanctions against Iran

Source: Xinhuanet | 03-06-2007 10:22

UNITED NATIONS, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The six major powers, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, kicked off Monday afternoon their series of informal talks on Iran's nuclear program.

Ambassadors from the six powers met at the British mission to discuss the elements of a new sanctions draft resolution aimed at pushing Iran back to the negotiations.

German Ambassador Thomas Matussek told reporters that they will review the elements of a resolution discussed by senior officials of the six powers during a telephone conversation Saturday.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said that "there are some elements, but there is no draft resolution as such," adding that "what Russia wants is a political outcome, negotiations. But unfortunately the Iranian side has not complied with the previous resolution."

According to diplomats who said on condition of anonymity, the elements, initiated by both the United States and Britain, contained tougher and more comprehensive sanctions compared to the previous resolution against Iran in December.

The new resolution will, in accordance with the current elements, impose more severe sanctions on Iran in terms of travel ban, embargo of arms imports and exports, and stiffer economic sanctions including a ban on export guarantees to Iran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Feb. 22 in the report filed in Vienna to the IAEA's 35-nation board of governors and the UN Security Council that "Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities."

The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Dec. 23, 2006, demanding that Iran suspend uranium enrichment in 60 days. However, Iran has failed to do so and claimed its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.

The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian program, a charge that Iran has denied.

Editor:Du Xiaodan