Russia, China tough on new sanctions on Iran

United Nations, March 9: Russia and China have raised objections to nearly every Western proposal for new UN sanctions against Iran for its nuclear ambitions except a ban on arms export, according to a working paper.

The document, seen by sources today, shows some Russian and Chinese reservations about other proposals for a UN Security Council resolution. These include a mandatory travel ban, financial and trade restrictions and expanding a list of Iranian officials and firms whose assets would be frozen, such as those controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

In an effort to break the logjam, senior foreign policy officials from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China held another telephone conference today so UN ambassadors could begin drafting a Security Council resolution. But progress was not clear.

The United States and leading European countries suspect Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian atomic program. Tehran denies the charge and says its program is for generating electricity only.

The new resolution is a follow-up to one adopted by the Security Council on December. 23 that imposed trade sanctions on sensitive nuclear materials and technology and froze assets of key Iranians individuals, groups and businesses.

Iran was required to suspend nuclear enrichment work, but has refused to do so.

Among the proposals under consideration in the document, dated March 3, were: -- A mandatory travel ban on Iranian officials connected with the nuclear program. Russia and China have not signed on.

-- A ban on exports but not imports of weapons in addition to the restrictions on materials related to nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in the December resolution. Russia and China raised no objections to the embargo but to another provision that allows member states to take ''cooperative action,'' to prevent weapons trafficking.

-- A ban on new commitments by countries for grants, loans and credits to Iran except for humanitarian purposes. Russia and China wants this made voluntary.

The proposals would call on but do not order international financial institutions to do the same and asks nations to ''exercise vigilance and restraint'' in providing any financial support to Iran, including insuring companies trading with Tehran. Russia and China have reservations.

-- The proposed measures would add to a list in the December resolution of Iranian officials, groups and companies whose assets would be frozen. Russia and China had reservations against putting ''entities'' owned or controlled by Iran's Revolution Guard Corps on list.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack was optimistic differences could be narrowed soon.

''We are chipping away at any remaining differences that might exist,'' McCormack said in Washington.

''Everyone is committed to getting a resolution as soon as we can,'' he said, adding that Russia was cooperating well, an indication China's position was more difficult.

''I'm not going to put timelines on it. We want one as soon as we can,'' McCormack said.''

Reuters