VIENNA, Sept 23: The European Union submitted a resolution on Friday to the International Atomic Energy Agency calling for Iran to be reported to the Security Council over nuclear plans the West fears aim to produce atomic weapons.
The Europeans intended to force a vote on the issue at the 35-nation governing board of the IAEA despite intense opposite from China, Russia and a minority of other countries, an EU diplomat said.
“It is unclear when the vote will take place. Perhaps Sunday, if we can do it. Maybe Oct 3,” one EU diplomat said.
Diplomats said the resolution called for Iran to be reported to the Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions, at an unspecified date – watering down an earlier demand from the Europeans for an immediate referral.
Iran denies seeking atomic bombs and says its nuclear programme is only for generating electricity. It has threatened to step up the programme, including resuming mothballed work on uranium enrichment, if reported to the Security Council.
The Europeans, led by France, Britain and Germany, have a majority of around 20 or 21 countries out of 35 on the board in favour of sending Iran to the Council. But five days of backroom talks with Russia, China, South Africa, India and others opposed to the move failed to break the deadlock.
“Consensus is impossible. That’s clear,” a diplomat said. A simple majority is enough to pass a resolution.—Reuters
