Iran yesterday warned the UN Security Council against adoption of any
resolution that would impose sanctions on the Islamic republic, threatening to
drop out cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"If the UN Security Council adopts a resolution against the Islamic Republic
of Iran, Tehran will revise its policies on the level of its cooperation with
the IAEA," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini told his
weekly press briefing.
He also criticized Britain, France and Germany for choosing a "very wrong
course" in dealing with Iran on its nuclear issue.
"The three European countries have taken up a very wrong course and we hope
that they revise their policies and return to the talks," Hosseini said.
Britain, France and Germany circulated on Friday afternoon to UN Security
Council members a revised draft resolution which imposed sanctions on Iran for
its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment.
"The present draft is more in line with the U.S. interfering policies,"
Hosseini said.
According to a copy of the draft resolution obtained by Xinhua, it urges Iran
to suspend all enrichment activities as well as all heavy water related
projects.
It bars Iran from importing or exporting key materials and technology related
to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Meanwhile, the text, drafted by
the three European countries, also imposes financial and travel restriction on
persons and agencies involved.
However, the new text is still far from Russia's expectation, a UN diplomat
said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
"Without further revision, it is really hard for Russia to endorse it," he
added.
The six major powers -- the United States, Russia, China and the three EU
countries -- are set to resume talks on the text on the table Monday morning,
according to the diplomat, who disclosed that the West is pushing hard for the
adoption of the draft resolution before the Christmas.