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Sanctions against Iran Unanimously Approved

All 15 members of the United Nation`s Security Council unanimously approved sanctions on Iran, Saturday, for its relentless refusal to cease the enrichment of uranium. This is the first time, since the Iranian nuclear crisis began 3 years ago, that the Security Council imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The resolution, numbered 1737, stipulates that all members of the UN are to immediately stop supplying Iran with materials, equipment and technology that could be used for the enrichment of uranium, nuclear activity related to heavy water and research and development of ballistic rockets. UN members are also forbidden to assist Iran in furthering related projects. Funds belonging to companies and persons related to the Iranian nuclear project will be confiscated and light limitations on travel will be imposed on a list of Iranian officials attached to the resolution.

The sanctions were drafted under section 41 of chapter 7 of the United Nation`s charter, which deals with non-military sanctions. The resolution states that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will report to the council within 60 days wither or not Iran is complying with the resolution. The current sanctions state that if Iran does not comply, the Security Council will reconvene to discuss more serious sanctions.

Russia was uncertain if it would vote for the resolution to impose sanctions on Iran, but a short while before the discussion Russia`s ambassador to the UN said his country will support the resolution. Earlier President Putin discussed the topic on the telephone with President Bush.