UN approves new sanctions against Iran

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 03-04-2008 08:52

The United Nations Security Council has approved new sanctions against Iran.

This will mean more travel and financial restrictions for some Iranian individuals and companies.

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday slapping stronger sanctions to press Iran to  suspend its uranium enrichment activities.(Xinhua Photo)

Iran says the sanctions undermine the legitimacy of the Security Council.

The United Nations Security Council has imposed a third round of sanctions on Iran as the country has refused to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.

Fourteen of the 15 Security Council members voted for

Resolution 1803 while Indonesia abstained. This is a departure from two previous sanction resolutions on Iran, that enjoyed unanimous support.

The new sanctions include travel restrictions and bans for more Iranians: an expansion of asset freezes, curbs on dual-use items, export credit, financial monitoring, cargo inspections on aircraft and vessels and possible "next steps."

The resolution also aims to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear issue by political and diplomatic negotiations with the IAEA.

It also says if Iran complies with all the orders, the UN security council will suspend or even lift all sanctions against Iran.

Prior to the vote, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee addressed the council, saying Tehran's nuclear program "has been, is, and will remain absolutely peaceful and in no way poses any threat to international peace and security."

Khazaee has rejected the Security Council's requirement that it suspend its uranium enrichment activities, saying it is "legally defective and politically coercive."

He has described the Security Council's decision as "unjust and irrational."

Editor:Zhang Pengfei