European nations refer Iran to UNSC
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VIENNA (AP) - European nations submitted a text to the International Atomic Energy Agency on Feb. 1 calling for Iran to be referred to the U.N. Security Council, which could impose sanctions.
The draft resolution expressed "the absence of confidence that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes."
In Tehran, Iran's top nuclear negotiator warned against referral.
Ali Larijani said the Islamic republic would retaliate by resuming large-scale enrichment of uranium. He said Iran would also put an end to intrusive U.N. inspections of its facilities under the "Additional Protocol" that it has signed but not ratified.
Iran says its nuclear program is civilian only and has no other purpose than to generate power, but the U.S. and its allies fear Tehran is seeking to develop atomic weapons. Enrichment can produce either fuel for a nuclear reactor or the material needed to build a warhead.
Although Russia and China are longtime allies and trading partners of Iran, they agreed Jan. 30 with Britain, France and the U.S. - the three other permanent UNSC members with veto powers - on the need for UNSC involvement.
欧州、イラン問題を安保理へ
イギリスなど欧州の国は1日、イランの核問題を国連の安全保障理事会に付託するよう求める文書を国際原子力機関に提出した。
Shukan ST: Feb. 10, 2006
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