The vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Saturday highlighted the split rather than consensus in the international community.

The nuclear watchdog voted for the first time in favor of referring Iran's nuclear programme to the United Nations Security Council.

But the decision was far from unanimous. Only 22 of the 35 board nations voted for the United States-backed European Union proposal.

Twelve nations abstained, including Russia, China and some other developing countries. Venezuela voted against the move.

A gulf of opinion opened up at the IAEA. This will not help solve the conflict over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The IAEA board resolution criticizes Iran for failing to answer questions that would assure the international community that its nuclear activities are for non-military purposes and that Teheran is committed to ending activities related to the enrichment of uranium.

Last month Iran resumed the conversion of uranium ore into a gas - uranium hexafluoride - which can be enriched to form fuel for nuclear weapons.

Under the terms of the resolution, the IAEA will draw up a report by November on Iran's non-compliance with the non-proliferation treaty. Another vote will be required to send the report to the Security Council.

This measure would compel the Security Council to examine Iran's nuclear programme and consider punitive action.

Outlining what Iran must do to avoid these consequences, the draft called on Teheran to give IAEA experts access to nuclear-related documents and sites, suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and ratify an inspection agreement with the IAEA.

Opinions are divided on how to settle the matter. European Union members and the United States do not see eye to eye with Iran, with differences of opinion over whether the Islamic republic has a legitimate, peaceful need for nuclear energy.

These differences must be settled in a constructive manner through continued negotiations. Referring the debate to the Security Council may complicate the situation.

A solution should be sought within the framework of the IAEA.

Iran and Britain, France and Germany - the three European countries negotiating on behalf of the 25-member European Union - signed the Paris Agreement in November 2004.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to continue suspension of uranium enrichment and all related activities, including uranium conversion, until negotiations proceed towards a political settlement.

The Paris Agreement must be honored as a foundation for seeking a long-term solution.

The parties concerned should fulfill the commitments they have made under the agreement.

Iran should use confidence-building measures to increase understanding in the international community and create a favorable atmosphere for the eventual resolution of the Iranian nuclear question.

At the same time, the parties concerned should treat the reasonable concerns of Iran in a just and objective manner and respect the country's right to enjoy peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
 
The resolution adopted at the IAEA on Saturday should not mean an end to negotiations between Iran and the European Union. Talks are the most appropriate and realistic approach to the settlement of the matter. Patience, pragmatism and flexibility from all sides are needed.

(China Daily September 26, 2005)