Git Yer Iran U.N. Sanctions Here
New U.N. sanctions against Iran would require countries to ban the entry of individuals involved in the Iranian nuclear program — a step up from a previous call for vigilance over their travel, according to a document obtained Friday.
The latest round of penalties would also for the first time ban trade in equipment and technology that can be used in both civilian and nuclear programs, according to elements that would form the basis of a new U.N. resolution.
It would call on countries to inspect cargo heading to or from Iran "provided there are reasonable grounds to believe" that prohibited goods are being transported, the document obtained by The Associated Press said.
The five veto-wielding members of the council — the U.S., Britain, France, China and Russia — along with Germany, agreed this week on the basic terms of the resolution. Diplomats have said the full, 15-nation Security Council will likely approve it next month.
The six global powers offered Iran a package of economic incentives and political rewards in June 2006 if it agreed to freeze uranium enrichment before talks on its nuclear program. But Iran has refused despite two previous sets of U.N. sanctions.
The new proposal would freeze the assets of additional individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear activities that were not identified.
It calls on all countries "to exercise vigilance" in entering into new financial commitments with Iraq, including the granting of export credits, guarantees or insurance. It also calls for "vigilance" over financial dealings with Iranian-based banks, "in particular with Bank Melli and Bank Saderat, and their branches and subsidiaries abroad."
