Iran resolution makes sanctions threat imminent

OVER Chinese and Russian opposition, Western nations circulated a UN Security Council resolution that would demand Iran abandon uranium enrichment or face the threat of unspecified further measures, a possible reference to sanctions.

Britain and France, backed by the United States, hope to wrap up negotiations on the legally binding resolution before a meeting of foreign ministers in New York next Monday. However, diplomats acknowledged that resistance from China and Russia may prolong talks well beyond that.

And yesterday, French prime minister Dominique de Villepin said military action was not the solution to the international stand-off over Iran’s nuclear programme.