More sanctions for Iran by Magdalena Rosova

After months-long discussions the United Nations Security Council has finally approved tougher sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. On Wednesday the council voted on a fourth round of financial and military sanctions over Tehran. Except Brazil, Turkey and Lebanon, who abstained from vote, all members of the council supported the new set of sanctions. Turkey and Brazil signed a nuclear agreement with Tehran and therefore did not vote for new sanctions. Brazil's UN Ambassador, Maria Luiza Viotti, said the sanctions were not an effective instrument. Tehran refused to stop its uranium enrichment program saying it was for peaceful civilian purposes. Even few minutes befor! e the vote the Iranian envoy told the council that no matter what, Iran was not going change its enrichment activities. President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad condemned the sanctions and the decision of the council. New UN resolution includes partial ban on arms sales to Iran, eight new categories of heavy weapons will be prohibited to be sold to Iran. However, lighter weapons can still be sold to the country. The resolution also gives authority to countries to inspect cargo ships in their waters that are going to or from Iran. But these controls will not be systematic or compulsory. 40 Iranians somehow connected with government's nuclear program will have to pay penalty or will get their international assets frozen. They are also forbidden to travel abroad. However, the approved set of sanctions lacks new or more advanced sanctions. The reason is huge disagreement of the Security Council members. West countries are not united and therefore China and Russia as always manag! ed to lower the penalties.

related story (sgx175! 34): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06...

by Magdalena Rosova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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