Calls for New Sanctions Against Iran Intensify

By Bobby Rajabi

Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

TEHRAN, Iran – There has been an increase in concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program from other countries in the United Nations. Countries such as France and the United States have made it known that they feel that the best method to deal with the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program is to impose new sanctions against the country. Turkey, however, is arguing that new sanctions would be a mistake and the best method to dealing with Iran is diplomacy.

The leaders of the United States and France have vowed to push for new sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program. French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with U.S. President Barack Obama regarding the Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions. President Obama, after the meeting, commented that they planned on having sanctions in place “within weeks.” President Sarkozy also commented, promising that “all necessary efforts to make sure Europe as a whole engaged in the sanctions regime.”

The United States and France are not alone with their arguments in favor of new sanctions against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In ensuring that all of Europe remains inĀ involvedĀ in the new sanctions discussion, Sarkovy has ensured the support of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Sarkozy also explained that “the time has come to take decisions” on Iran’s nuclear program. He argued that simply punishing Iran isn’t enough; the Islamic Republic must be stopped from continuing on their “mad race.”

Chancellor Merkel has indicated that if the United Nations Security Council cannot agree on the sanctions to be imposed on Iran, Germany is willing to pursue its own sanctions against the Islamic Republic and invites like-minded nations to join them in doing so.

Turkey, unlike many of its fellow United Nations members, is not in favor of additional sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said on March 29 that economic sanctions against Iran would do more harm than good. Erdogan made his case to Merkel during a visit to Germany. He later told reporters that “the best route (to solving the nuclear issue with Iran) is diplomacy.”

Turkey currently serves as a non-permanent member of the UN security council and Erdogan indicated that no firm decision has been made by the country as of yet.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Obama Pushes Speedy Iran Sanctions – 31 March 2010

BBC – US and France Vow to Push For New Sanctions On Iran – 30 March 2010

Reuters – Turkey Makes Case Against Sanctions on Iran – 29 March 2010

Author: Impunity Watch Archive