Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
TEHRAN, Iran – On April 8, the United Nations Ambassadors of six world powers met to discuss the possibility of new sanctions being imposed against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The countries that attended were the United States, China, Great Britain, France, Germany and Russia. The meeting took place in New York and was a forum for the world powers to express their concern with Iran’s developing nuclear program.
Those who attended later spoke of how while the talks were productive, there will more meetings int he coming weeks. China and Russia have thus far refused to back any of the new measures proposed by the United States and European states. The two countries have repeatedly stated that the negotiations have not been exhausted in efforts to persuade the Islamic Republic to rein in its nuclear program.
Russia’s President, Dmitry Medvedev, later commented that his country is concerned about Iran, saying that, “We cannot turn a blind eye to this.” He also added that Russia favored “smart” sanctions. Medvedev noted that he favors sanctions that will change the government’s behavior as opposed to resolutions that will bring down the government or impose hardship on its people The Russian President also expressed concern about the Islamic Republic’s lack of cooperation, saying that, “unfortunately Tehran is not reacting to an array of constructive compromise proposals.”
Iran has repeatedly insisted that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes. Top leaders in the country lashed out against Western nations over the threats of new sanctions. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attacked comments by US President Barack Obama where the American president emphasized his goal of working with Russia and the UN Security Council to pass sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Ahmadinejad said that his country does not welcome the idea or threat of new sanctions.
Iranian commander General Hassan Firouzabadi used more pointed language, saying that Iran was willing to strike back at United States forces in the Middle East if it is attacked. Despite the strongly worded statements, Iran insists that it needs to highly enriched uranium for research, not for the development of nuclear weapons.
For more information, please see:
Al Jazeera – Talks Begin on Iran Sanctions – 9 April 2010
BBC – World Powers Hold UN Meeting on Iran Nuclear Sanctions – 8 April 2010
Voice of America – Iranian Leaders Criticize New Threat of International Sanctions – 8 April 2010
