EU tasks study of possible new Iran sanctions

LUXEMBOURG, Oct 15 (Reuters) European Union foreign ministers instructed experts today to study further possible sanctions on Iran if Tehran does not comply with international demands to suspend uranium enrichment activity.

''The (European) Council agreed that the EU will consider what additional measures it might take in order to support the UN process and the shared objectives of the international community, and invited relevant Council bodies to provide timely advice,'' ministers said in a statement.

However the statement gave no timeframe and did not mention a French call for EU states to consider European sanctions, for example further restricting the Iranian banking system, without waiting for the United Nations to act. The idea has split the EU.

REUTERS RSA PM2310