Major powers reach broad accord on Iran sanctions

UNITED NATIONS: Major powers reached broad agreement on Wednesday on a package of U.N. sanctions against Iran for its nuclear programs but a vote in the Security Council is not expected until next week.

Envoys from the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France, permanent council members, who negotiated the text along with Germany, said the draft had been sent to their respective capitals for approval, which is not automatic.

After that the 10 nonpermanent council members must deliberate before any vote can be taken.

The draft text, obtained by Reuters, would increase an earlier list of Iranian groups and companies subject to an assets freeze and ban all arms exports from Iran.

“We have an agreement in principle based on some additional changes that were introduced and presented today by some delegations,” Alejandro Wolff, a U.S. ambassador, told reporters. “So it’s new elements and understandings that need confirmation from capitals.”

The resolution if adopted, would penalize Tehran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, which can be used in nuclear bombs or for peaceful ends.

The new measures follow a resolution adopted in December that imposed trade sanctions on Iran’s sensitive nuclear materials and technology, and froze the assets of some Iranian individuals and companies. Iran ignored a Feb. 21 deadline to suspend enrichment or face further steps.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the text of the new draft resolution “by and large” had been agreed. “On some of the elements some delegations are still double checking with capitals,” he said.

According to the latest draft, the council would increase the list of people and firms whose assets would be frozen and impose an arms embargo Iranian exports of conventional weapons.

On imports of heavy weapons to Iran, the text asks states to “exercise vigilance and restraint.”

The text also calls on all nations and international financial institutions not to enter into new commitments for grants, financial assistance and loans except “for humanitarian and developmental purposes.”

The new draft resolution would give Iran another 60 days to comply or face a threat of further sanctions. But all measures would be suspended if Tehran halts uranium enrichment and returns to negotiations.

Despite the near agreement, China’s U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya again hesitated over the list of Iranian officials, groups and companies subject to an asset freeze.

“The main objective is our concern about Iranian nuclear and missile activities,” Wang told reporters. “So there is no need to expand beyond that area.”

As an example, he said Iran’s state-owned Bank Sepah, which is on the list, “has transactions in many other fields so some language is needed to make the clear distinction.”

New York, Thursday, Reuters