UNSC Approving New Sanctions Against Iran
New York. 9 June 2010. AP Photo
The UN Security Council today imposed its fourth round of sanctions against Iran. Twelve member states, including all permanent members, voted for the resolution. Two countries (Brazil, Turkey) voted against and Lebanon abstained. The new sanctions broaden three earlier sets of sanctions imposed on Iran, the last of which was adopted on 31 March 2008. The highlights of the new UN resolution:
- Calls on countries (but not requiring countries) to block financial transactions with Iranian banks if they have information that provides "reasonable grounds" to believe the banking transactions could contribute to the Iranian nuclear program.
- Authorizes states to conduct high-sea inspections of vessels believed to be ferrying banned items from or to Iran.
- Expands arms embargo against Iran. It prohibits Iran from developing ballistic missiles and from purchasing several categories of heavy weapons, including attack helicopter and missiles.
- Prohibits Iran from investing in uranium mining anywhere in the world.
- Expands a list of individuals and entities subject to travel restrictions and financial sanctions, including asset freeze. Among 40 entities added to the list, 22 are linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, 15 are owned by IRGC, and three controlled by Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines.
UNSC resolution notes Turkey and Brazil’s efforts toward an agreement with Iran on Tehran Research Reactor that could serve as a confidence building measure. It emphasizes the importance of political and diplomatic efforts to find a negotiated solution guaranteeing that Iran's nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes. It also calls on Iran to address the core issues related to its nuclear program.
UPDATE I: Iran’s ambassador to IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, told the meeting that "illegal resolutions" by the council will not stop Iran from exercising its "legitimate right to develop its nuclear program" [AP, 9 June].
UPDATE II: Reacting to new UN sanctions, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said they were like a "used handkerchief that should be dumped in a garbage can…They cannot harm the Iranian nation" [ISNA, 9 June].
The US debt has just topped 14 trillion, wonder how much in bribes these sanctions cost the country? I am not sure these sanctions will harm Iran per se.
ReplyDeletewhat was China's and Russia reasoning for supporting these sanctions? Why did Lebanon abstain?
ReplyDeleteI don´t uderstand why lebanon only abstains.I think Iran must press Lebanon,shiites must work for opposite to sanctions against Iran.
ReplyDeleteWhy did lebanon abstain? because hariri doesn't want syrian intelligence planting another bomb under his car!
ReplyDeleteAs for the sanctions, its no surprise they passed,but US can expect more dead NATO soldiers in afghanistan.
Lebanese despite having a 70% Shia majority have the old French imperialist disproportinate government representation that gives the Zionist allied Maronites and the Wahhabi puppet Harriri greater say in the government. Eventually the Shia will take over Lebanon, it is only a question of time. The middle-east is undergoing rapid changes that favor Iran. The Lebanese abstention at the UNSC club does not represent the majority of Lebanese population.
ReplyDeleteThe "international community"
ReplyDeletehave begun their squabbles already
Nobody would blame Iran if relations with IAEA are downgraded now.
ReplyDeleteGo Iran Go. (world is with you )
Iran should simply withdraw from the NPT.
ReplyDelete