Iran's U.N. Envoy Criticizes Resolution

[cal04]

Iran's top U.N. envoy criticized a proposed resolution on its nuclear program that carried a threat of further action which could include sanctions, charging Thursday that it's aimed at provoking confrontation rather than resolving the dispute. Ambassador Javad Zarif said it was regrettable the United States, Britain and France were taking a confrontational approach because ''there are a multitude of possibilities for finding a peaceful resolution.''

''If anything, the draft indicates the intention of those who drafted it to create a crisis where a crisis is not needed, to create an atmosphere of tension which our region does not need, and which can be avoided simply by allowing serious, reasonable, sober discussion,'' he said. Under the proposed draft, the Security Council's demand in late March for Iran to stop enrichment would be made mandatory, and Tehran would be given a short period to comply. If it refuses, the resolution says the council intends to consider ''further measures'' to ensure compliance.

The sponsors want the resolution adopted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter which can be enforced by sanctions -- or if necessary -- military action. The draft also includes a declaration that the ''proliferation risk'' posed by Iran constitutes a threat to international peace and security.

The resolution, which was introduced Wednesday by Britain and France and was strongly supported by the U.S., put the three Western allies at odds with Russia and China, the two other veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council who adamantly oppose strong council action and sanctions. The five permanent members met Thursday afternoon to discuss the text and agreed to meet again Friday morning. China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya said there was a better understanding of each other's views but ''we have some different views about Chapter 7.''

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-UN-Iran.html