The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Saturday to pass a
resolution imposing sanctions against Iran over its controversial
nuclear activities.
The resolution, which followed weeks of negotiations, demanded
that Iran "suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing
activities, including research and development," and "work on all
heavy water-related projects."
It also called on all states to impose a ban on trade with Iran
in goods related to its nuclear programs and ballistic missile
delivery systems.
It also demanded that "all states shall freeze the funds, other
financial assets and economic resources" owned or controlled by
officials and companies in the country's nuclear and missile
programs.
The resolution called on all states to monitor and notify a
Security Council sanctions panel of the entry or transit through
their territory of Iranians involved in the country's nuclear and
missile programs.
The resolution asked the head of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) to submit a report within 60 days on Iran's
compliance with the council's demands.
It warned that, if Iran refuses to comply, the council "shall
adopt further appropriate measures under Article 41 of Chapter
Seven" of the UN Charter, which implies only economic
sanctions.
In explanatory remarks following the vote, China's ambassador
Wang Guangya said sanctions are not the end but a means to urge
Iran to return to negotiations.
"There are also explicit provisions indicating that if Iran
suspends its enrichment related and reprocessing activities, and
complies with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and
meets the requirement of the IAEA, the Security Council shall
suspend and even terminate the sanction measures," Wang said.
The resolution was a reaction to Iran's failure to comply with
an earlier text passed in late July demanding it suspend uranium
enrichment by Aug. 31.
The United States and its European allies have accused Tehran of
engaging in enrichment activities which are ultimately aimed at
producing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its nuclear program is
for peaceful purposes only.
(Xinhua News Agency December 24, 2006)