Nuclear Agency: Iran in Defiance of U.N.

 

U.N. Nuclear Watchdog Agency Says Iran Has Enriched Uranium, in Defiance of Security Council, and Possibly To Make Nuclear Bomb

 

VIENNA, Austria Apr 28, 2006 (AP)? The International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday that Iran had enriched uranium and was in defiance of the U.N. Security Council. The finding that Iran was not in compliance, which was expected, was contained in a report drawn up by IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei.

 

It also reflected a standoff between Iran and agency inspectors pursuing questions about possible attempts by Tehran to make nuclear arms.

 

Britain followed with an announcement saying it will ask the Security Council to "increase the pressure on Iran."

 

 

 

Like that was a surprise to anyone.

The big question is, "will the UN do anything about it?"

 

To save the suspense, no.

The real question is. How many completely worthless deadlines will the UN give to Iran in order to comply?

The big question is, "will the UN do anything about it?"

 

To save the suspense, no.

 

 

Oh it will definitely go to the Security Council, though will it have any affect? Maybe, if U.S. backs a resolution, though I don't think we are in a position to launch another war, even an air campaign.

Britain, France Introduce New Resolution on Iran to U.N. Security Council

 

UNITED NATIONS — Britain and France introduced a U.N. Security Council resolution Wednesday that would be legally binding and set the stage for sanctions against Iran if it does not abandon uranium enrichment.

 

Diplomats said they hoped the resolution, backed by the United States but opposed by China and Russia, will be adopted before a meeting of foreign ministers in New York next Monday.

 

The resolution mandates that Iran "shall suspend all enrichment related and reprocessing activities," according to the text presented to the council.

 

But Iran nuclear chief Gholamreza Aghazadeh said Wednesday his nation had enriched uranium to the upper end of the range needed to make fuel for reactors, further defying U.N. demands. Iran announced April 11 it had enriched uranium for the first time.

 

The resolution also calls on Iran to stop construction of a heavy-water reactor. It will seek a report back from the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, on Iran's compliance.

 

"Once again, the key to this lies in Iran's hands," U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said. "If they give up the pursuit of nuclear weapons, a lot of things are possible. If they continue to bluster and to threaten and obfuscate and try to throw sand in our eyes, then we're onto a different circumstance."

 

No timeframe has been set for that report but France's U.N. Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere said he wants that report no later than early June.

 

Iran says its nuclear program is confined to generating power, but the United States and France accuse the country of secretly trying to build nuclear weapons.

 

The resolution was written under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which makes any demands mandatory and allows for the use of sanctions — and possibly force — if they are not obeyed. Any sanctions would require another resolution.

 

That could set up a showdown with Russia and China, which are adamantly opposed to such a tough resolution and can veto any resolution because they are permanent members of the council.

 

Asked if a Chapter 7 resolution was acceptable, China's Ambassador Wang Guangya shook his head and answered "No, no, no."

 

President Bush has refused to rule out military action in response to the Iranian nuclear standoff. When asked last month whether U.S. options regarding Iran "include the possibility of a nuclear strike" if Tehran refuses to halt uranium enrichment, Bush replied, "All options are on the table." He stressed, however, the United States will continue to focus on diplomacy.

 

The resolution was drafted by Britain, France and Germany, the three European Union nations that have led negotiations with Iran. Ambassadors said discussions between the three EU nations, the United States, China and Russia were only beginning over the resolution.

 

"On the strategic objective, there's nothing between the six of us. We do not want to see an Iran with a nuclear weapon capability," Britain's Ambassador Emyr Jones-Parry said. "On the detail of the resolution, there have been exchanges of views and those will continue."

 

Last month, the Security Council issued a nonbinding statement that Iran comply with previous demands to abandon enrichment. That statement asked for a report from IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei in 30 days on Iran's compliance.

 

As had been widely expected, ElBaradei issued a report Friday saying Iran had not complied, laying the groundwork for Wednesday's resolution.

 

Western nations say the statement and the resolution are part of a gradual process of increasing pressure on Iran.

 

 

 

France, Britian, and the United States united on an issue! Are pigs flying?

If France is actually introducing stuff that is a surprise they almost always seem to have a "hands off" approach to such things as this.

 

It should be interesting.

If France is actually introducing stuff that is a surprise they almost always seem to have a "hands off" approach to such things as this.

 

It should be interesting.

 

 

I think France being in range of Iran's missles is what is inspiring them to be pro-active, hehe.

I can't see anything in the UN passing the Security Council, at least not with Russia and China on it. Both countries do a lot of business with Iran.

I can't see anything in the UN passing the Security Council, at least not with Russia and China on it. Both countries do a lot of business with Iran.

 

 

For real, China is the #1 importer of Iranian oil and Russian engineers are building Iran's nuclear reactor, they both have a huge financial stake in the country. There is no way would they approve of a military option against Iran.