Russia wants delay in UN Iran sanctions vote

United Nations, Dec 22: Russia yesterday criticised key elements of a UN Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran for its nuclear ambitions and expected a one-day delay, until tomorrow, for a vote.

Europeans Britain, France and Germany had called a vote today morning for the resolution they drafted and conducted last minute negotiations with the United States, Russia and China yesterday afternoon.

''I do not think there is going to be a vote tomorrow (Friday),'' Moscow's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters in a recess during the talks among the six nations.

''Maybe Saturday, yes, but clearly we will need tomorrow for further thinking and maybe further discussions of the draft resolution,'' Churkin said.

The draft resolution demands Tehran end all uranium enrichment work, which can produce fuel for nuclear power plants as well as for bombs, and halt research and development that can make or deliver atomic weapons.

To this end, the measure bans the import and export of dangerous materials and technology relating to uranium enrichment, reprocessing and heavy-water reactors, as well as ballistic missile delivery systems.

Churkin said ''just two or three issues remain but those are difficult issues and those are important issues.''

REUTERS

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