UN Springs Into Action
Charles Johnson
Sat Dec 23, 2006 at 9:53 am PST • Views: 192
After years of strong statements and harshly worded letters, the United Nations has taken the fateful next step—meaningless, watered down sanctions: Security Council approves Iran sanctions.
UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council unanimously agreed Saturday to impose sanctions against Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, culminating two months of negotiations to curb a nuclear program the United States claims is aimed at building weapons.
The resolution orders all countries to ban the supply of specified materials and technology that could contribute to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. It also imposes an asset freeze on key companies and individuals in the country’s nuclear and missile programs named on a U.N. list.
If Iran refuses to comply, the resolution warns Iran that the council will adopt further nonmilitary sanctions.
Until the last moments before the vote, it was not clear whether all 15 Security Council members would support the resolution.
Russia and China, which both have strong commercial ties to Tehran, have pressed for a step-by-step approach to sanctions, and Qatar has supported Iran’s peaceful use of nuclear energy. By contrast, the United States has pushed for very tough sanctions, with Britain and France taking a slightly softer view.
Key European nations made late changes that brought Moscow and Beijing on board, including earlier this week dropping a ban on travel for key figures in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Frank says: