Divisions emerge about Iran's nuclear ambition

Europe and the US agreed to moves to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions tonight, but divisions emerged with so-called non-aligned nations objecting to parts of the text.

A majority of nations at a key meeting of the UN atomic watchdog agency in Vienna agreed on the wording of a draft resolution meant to curb Iran’s access to technology that could be used to make nuclear weapons.

But China opposed parts of the text, and diplomats at the board of governors’ conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency said they would submit their own two-paragraph amendment when the meeting reconvenes tomorrow.

Also Pakistan planned to challenge another paragraph, which could lead to a vote for the first time since the 35-nation board began discussing Iran’s nuclear dossier two years ago. Previous resolutions have been passed by consensus.

With the majority of board members favouring the version agreed on by the European Union, Canada, Australia and the United States, the moves by the non-aligned nations and Pakistan had little chance of being approved.

Still, the fact that the issue of Iran appeared heading toward a vote revealed deep divisions between the West and the non-aligned group over the issue of uranium enrichment – a technology that can be used both to generate electricity and to make nuclear weapons.

Washington and Europe want Iran to freeze all enrichment and related activities, while the non-aligned group wants any such demand excised, saying all nations should have the right to it as long as it is used for peaceful purposes.

While the Americans assert Iran is trying to make nuclear weapons, Tehran insists its enrichment plans are meant only to generate power.

Even with the Western resolution likely to be accepted in full, there is a possibility of new confrontation with the United States when the meeting reconvenes in November.

While demanding that Iran suspend all uranium enrichment activities, the resolution also recognises the right of countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy – precisely the phrase that left Iran room to manoeuvre.

IAEA director general Mohamed ElBaradei said an Iranian decision to at least maintain its present, limited suspension freeze would “be a step in the right direction.” But he said he preferred “full suspension.”

The text said the board will decide at the November meeting “whether or not further steps are required”.

Diplomats familiar with the draft defined that phrase as shorthand for possible referral to the UN Security Council if Iran defies the conditions set in the resolution.