22 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The European Union has reportedly dropped its demand that the UN's nuclear watchdog refer Iran to the Security Council over its nuclear program, where it could have faced sanctions.
Western news agencies say a revised draft resolution is now being circulated at this week's meeting in Vienna of the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The reports say the new draft finds Tehran in noncompliance with international safeguards mandated under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It also accuses Iran of "excessive concealment" and of various "failures and breaches" of its obligations.
The previous draft resolution has been opposed by Russia, China, and other countries.
The foreign ministers of Russia, China, and India -- meeting in New York last night -- said they favor a "consensus approach" to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.
Western countries fear Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.
(compiled from agency reports)
See also:
"EU Calls For Referring Iran To Security Council But Russia, China Object"
For RFE/RL's complete coverage of the controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program, see "Iran's Nuclear Program."
The reports say the new draft finds Tehran in noncompliance with international safeguards mandated under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It also accuses Iran of "excessive concealment" and of various "failures and breaches" of its obligations.
The previous draft resolution has been opposed by Russia, China, and other countries.
The foreign ministers of Russia, China, and India -- meeting in New York last night -- said they favor a "consensus approach" to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.
Western countries fear Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.
(compiled from agency reports)
See also:
"EU Calls For Referring Iran To Security Council But Russia, China Object"
For RFE/RL's complete coverage of the controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program, see "Iran's Nuclear Program."