United States welcomes UN resolution on Iran

Washington, Aug 1: The United States has welcomed the UN Security Council's clear and strong action today in adopting Resolution 1696, saying ''this tough resolution sends an unequivocal and mandatory message to Teheran.''

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said yesterday according to the resolution Iran has to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors, including full and sustained suspension of all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and suspend construction of the heavy water reactor.

''In setting a deadline of August 31 for Iran's full, unconditional and immediate compliance, this significant resolution expresses the international community's determination to deal firmly with the direct threat to international peace and security posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons,'' he said in a statement.

The Resolution also calls upon UN Member States to prevent transfers that could contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. The United States and others will ensure that the financial transactions associated with Iran's proliferative activities will be impeded as well. ''We expect that Iran and all other Member States will immediately act in accordance with the demands of this resolution,'' McCormack said.

This is the first UN Security Council resolution on Iran in response to its nuclear weapons program, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the determination of the Council. We hope that this Resolution will demonstrate to Iran that the best way to end its international isolation is to simply do what the international community demands of it.

McCormack said: ''We hope that Iran makes the strategic decision to pursue negotiations and cooperation. The P5+1 package remains on the table. We reiterate our offer to join negotiations as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. It is up to Iran to decide what path to take. If Iran does not comply with Resolution 1696, if it continues on the path of defiance, the United States and other Member States will work towards a sanctions resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.''

UNI