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New U.N. sanctions in the works for Iran

A draft resolution would limit financial assistance for the nation.

By TIMES WIRES
Published March 16, 2007

NEW YORK - The U.N. Security Council began considering new sanctions against Iran Thursday that would ban the country's arms exports and expand a list of people and organizations whose assets are to be frozen because of their ties to Iran's nuclear activities.

The draft resolution also calls on governments and financial institutions not to offer Iran financial assistance except for humanitarian and developmental purposes, though it did not include restrictions on export credits as originally envisioned.

The penalties go beyond the sanctions imposed by the council in December to compel Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program. They target officials and companies affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which oversees strategic Iranian interests, including oil, gas and its missile program. Russia, however, objected to singling out the group, saying it has little to do with the nuclear program and appears to politicize the resolution.

French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, at the U.N. on a previously scheduled visit, said the sanctions package contained both carrots and sticks.

"These measures are gradual and reversible. That means that if in 60 days we have no answer, we will have more sanctions," he said.

If Iran chooses to halt its program and return to negotiations, he added, it could receive economic and technical help to build its civilian nuclear energy program.

"This approach is constructive, positive, and the only way to get results," he said.

Iran has rejected a European incentive package because it would not allow it to keep full control of its nuclear program.

The Security Council's five permanent members - the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Russia - and Germany hammered out the text, then presented it Thursday to the council's other 10 countries. The 10 said they want ample time to consider the text and make changes if necessary, though the key members are hoping for a vote before Wednesday.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the U.N. Security Council an illegitimate body Thursday and said that any new sanctions on his country would only push it to be self-sufficient and further develop nuclear technology.

"Today, the Iranian nation fully possesses the nuclear fuel cycle," Ahmadinejad said. "If all of you gather and also invite your ancestors from hell, you will not be able to stop the Iranian nation."

Information from the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press was used in this report.

[Last modified March 16, 2007, 01:24:49]