The six major powers, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France
and Germany, kicked off yesterday afternoon their series of informal talks on
Iran's nuclear program.
Ambassadors from the six powers met at the British mission to discuss the
elements of a new sanctions draft resolution aimed at pushing Iran back to the
negotiations.
German Ambassador Thomas Matussek told reporters that they will review the
elements of a resolution discussed by senior officials of the six powers during
a telephone conversation Saturday.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said that "there are some elements, but
there is no draft resolution as such," adding that "what Russia wants is a
political outcome, negotiations. But unfortunately the Iranian side has not
complied with the previous resolution."
According to diplomats who said on condition of anonymity, the elements,
initiated by both the United States and Britain, contained tougher and more
comprehensive sanctions compared to the previous resolution against Iran in
December.
The new resolution will, in accordance with the current elements, impose more
severe sanctions on Iran in terms of travel ban, embargo of arms imports and
exports, and stiffer economic sanctions including a ban on export guarantees to
Iran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Feb. 22 in the report
filed in Vienna to the IAEA's 35-nation board of governors and the UN Security
Council that "Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities."
The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Dec. 23, 2006, demanding that
Iran suspend uranium enrichment in 60 days. However, Iran has failed to do so
and claimed its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.
The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under
the cover of a civilian program, a charge that Iran has denied.