03 March 2008
The Security Council of the United Nations is certain to approve a third round of sanctions against Iran, for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, on Monday according to media reports. However, it is doubtful the new measures will receive the unanimous support which the first two sanctions resolutions did. The five permanent council members with veto power are all backing the new resolution, and they have more than the nine ‘yes’ votes needed for approval in the 15-member council.
Four non-permanent council members – Libya, Indonesia, South Africa and Vietnam – have raised a variety of concerns. Britain and France, who co-sponsored the resolution, put off the vote from Saturday until Monday to try to get them on board, but council diplomats said it was doubtful all four would vote in favor of the resolution.
The draft Security Council resolution would freeze the assets of about a dozen companies and a dozen individuals with links to Iran's nuclear or ballistic missile programs. It would require countries to "exercise vigilance" and report the travel or transit of those individuals. It would also impose a travel ban on several individuals linked to Iran's nuclear effort. For the first time, the resolution would ban trade with Iran in goods that have both civilian and military uses. Furthermore, it would introduce financial monitoring on two banks with suspected links to proliferation activities, Bank Melli and Bank Saderat.
The draft resolution also calls on all countries to exercise vigilance when entering into new trade commitments with Iran. It also would authorize inspections of shipments to and from Iran by sea and air that are suspected of carrying prohibited goods.
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