Russian nuke proj snags Iran sanctions deal

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 26: Washington wants restrictions on Russia's construction of an Iranian nuclear reactor as part of a European draft UN resolution that imposes sanctions on Tehran's atomic-related activities, diplomats has said.

European powers have given the UN Security Council draft to Russia and China but the Bush administration wants to make sure Moscow's work on a power plant at Bushehr does not include a fuel cycle, capable of use in weapons, US officials in Washington said.

A unified front among Britain, France, Germany -- lead negotiators with Iran -- and the United States has been key to international efforts to curb Tehran's nuclear program, which the West says is aimed at making weapons and Iran says is for energy production.

Nicholas Burns, the US Undersecretary of State told Reuters Television he believed that Bushehr would not be a ''major stumbling point.'' Burns, visiting Colombia, said that Washington was ''comfortable'' with the idea of states providing Tehran with nuclear fuel and energy -- providing that a fuel cycle with the capability to make weapons was excluded.

'RED LINE' FOR RUSSIANS

The current UN Security Council draft from the Europeans exempts construction of Bushehr and allows some 1,500 Russians to continue working at the site.

''We have always said there would be an exception for Bushehr,'' France's UN Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere told reporters.

''Bushehr is a red line for the Russians,'' said another European council member. The plant in southwestern Iran is due to begin operation next year.

The four wanted agreement with Russia and China before the resolution reached the full 15-member council. The United States, Britain, France, Russia and China are permanent council members with veto power while Germany is a key negotiator.

Russian and Chinese diplomats said the draft had been sent to Moscow and Beijing. All six nations planned to meet today afternoon.

France's Sabliere said the resolution would bar the sale and supply of material and technology involved in Iran's nuclear and missile program. It would also freeze funds and assets overseas of entities and people involved in the program.

And he said the resolution includes a travel ban on people responsible for and involved in the program. The measure invokes Article 41 of Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which limits enforcement to nonmilitary measures.

''We have always said that should Iran change its position and resume suspension (of its nuclear programme), the council will lift the sanctions,'' he said. ''So it is reversible.'' The draft, sections of which were read to Reuters, said nations had to ''prevent the supply, sale or transfer'' to Iran of ''all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme.'' It also says nations should ''take the necessary measures to prevent the provision to Iran of technical assistance or training, financial assistance, investment brokering or other services and the transfer of financial resources or services related to Iran's nuclear or ballistic missile programs.''

Reuters