Russia: Iran sanctions would 'increase tension'

Moscow opposes new UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations said today, warning that new punitive measures could increase tension and would probably be counterproductive.

Vitaly Churkin also cautioned against haste in efforts to resolve the dispute over Kosovo’s status, emphasising that talks should continue if Serbia and Kosovo’s leadership cannot reach a mutually acceptable agreement by a December deadline.