Nations split on Iran sanctions

October 27, 2006
Chicago Tribune
Original Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0610270150oct27,1,4608167.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
Key UN Security Council nations signaled opposition Thursday to a draft European resolution that would impose sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program.

Russian officials indicated that the measure is too tough, while the U.S. said it's not tough enough.

The three European nations that drafted the resolution -- Britain, France and Germany -- met for the first time Thursday afternoon with the United States, Russia and China set to discuss the text, perhaps on Monday.

The meeting took place hours after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signaled Moscow's opposition, saying the resolution departed from agreements between the six major powers, whose foreign ministers last met in London in June to discuss sanctions against Iran.

The European draft orders all countries to prevent the sale and supply of material and technology that could contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programs. It imposes a travel ban and freezes the assets of people involved in these programs -- and orders countries to freeze the assets of companies and organizations involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs.