US and Russia oppose UN draft on Iran

UNITED NATIONS - Russia on Thursday opposed a European draft UN resolution being discussed on Thursday by major powers to impose sanctions on Iran while the United States believed it was not strong enough.

Russia, the United States, Britain, France, China and Germany were to hold their first meeting on Thursday afternoon on the draft Security Council resolution, which would ban Iranian trade on nuclear materials and ballistic missiles.

But Western diplomats do not expect the six to agree until the middle of next week, at the earliest, after which the text would be circulated to the full 15-member council.

Speaking in Russia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the European draft did not match previous agreements among the major powers seeking to rein in Iran's nuclear ambitions, and predicted long negotiations before the issue is resolved.

He said the object was to "eliminate the risks of sensitive technology falling into Iran's hands" and stressed the importance of dealing with Iran through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog.

Lavrov said it appeared that the "proposed resolution clearly does not meet the tasks earlier agreed by the six."

The United States wants to bar Russia's construction of a nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which diplomats say is a negotiating tactic as it tries to strengthen other measures in the resolution.

The Europeans refused, saying they had to meet some of Russia and China's concerns, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing talks.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack played down differences with Russia, saying Washington understood Moscow's fears about putting too much pressure on Iran.

"We know that the Russians have some concerns about the tactics and concerns about applying too much pressure too quickly on the Iranians. We certainly understand their point of view," McCormack told reporters in Washington.

Russia cannot deliver a fuel cycle, which the West fears could be used for a nuclear weapon, unless it is approved by all 15 members of a Security Council sanctions committee on Iran, which the resolution would create.

The US$800 million ($1.22 billion) reactor is expected to go into operation next year.

A unified front among Britain, France, Germany - lead negotiators with Iran - and the United States has been key to efforts to curb Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran denies it is aimed at making weapons and says it is for energy production.

The European draft, according to council members, would:

* Invoke Article 41 under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which calls for enforcement of sanctions but excludes military action.

* Demand nations "prevent the supply, sale or transfer" to Iran of "all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes."

* Impose a freeze of funds and assets overseas of entities and people involved in Iran's nuclear or ballistic missile programme.

* Impose a travel ban on people responsible for and involved in the programme.

* Bar specialist study abroad which could benefit Iran's nuclear or missile programmes.

* Limit nuclear-related assistance to Iran by the IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, to "medical or humanitarian purposes" or "safety standards."

In August, the Security Council threatened to consider sanctions against Iran if it failed to suspend its uranium enrichment programme and consider a package of European economic and energy incentives.

Iran agreed to talks but refused the suspension, saying it had a right to develop nuclear energy under a nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

- REUTERS