The resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council
on Saturday is believed to clear the way for encouraging Iran to
return to negotiations.
Having failed to respond to the requirements of the Security
Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has
invited the 15-0 vote at the Security Council on demanding it to
end all research on uranium enrichment that can produce fuel for
nuclear power plants as well as for bombs, and halt all research
and development on methods of producing or delivering atomic
weapons.
In July, the Security Council passed a resolution demanding a
suspension of Iran's nuclear enrichment and reprocessing activities
before August 31.
Iran's compliance with this resolution would have to be
confirmed by a report requested at the end of September from the
IAEA. That Iran has ignored the request and failed to stop its
uranium enrichment has disappointed the international
community.
After negotiations for two months, the Security Council was
resolved on Saturday to act to keep the international nuclear
non-proliferation mechanism intact. It is important to defend the
authority and the role of the IAEA.
The agency should continue to play a main part in handling
Iran's nuclear issue while the Security Council cannot and should
not take every piece of it into its hand. The settlement of Iran's
nuclear issue counts on diplomacy through all channels, especially
the diplomatic efforts outside the council.
Sanctions should not serve as the end of the issue as they
cannot tackle the problem at its source.
The thrust of the sanctions is a ban on imports and exports of
dangerous materials and technology relating to uranium enrichment,
reprocessing and heavy water reactors, as well as ballistic missile
delivery systems.
Chinese UN Ambassador Wang Guangya's appeal for patience and
restraint from the countries concerned is a call for more
diplomatic efforts from the international community and Iran.
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Actions that are prejudicial to diplomacy or even push the events
to take a turn for the worse should be avoided.
Negotiations remain to be the best option to settle Iran's
nuclear issue. Approaches that are creative and forward-looking are
needed to revive the talks.
A peaceful settlement of Iran's nuclear issue is in the interest
of all parties concerned. More important, it would save the issue
becoming a new source of instability from the Middle East.
Saturday's resolution includes a freeze on financial assets
abroad of 12 individuals and 10 organizations from Iran associated
with nuclear programs.
The bans would be suspended if Iran suspends its enrichment work
and rejoins negotiations. They would be lifted if Iran fully
complies with Security Council resolutions and directions from the
IAEA.
(China Daily December 25, 2006)
