Security Council OKs Iran sanctions

Source: MSNBC.com

UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council imposed a fourth round of sanctions on a defiant Iran on Wednesday over a nuclear program the West suspects is aimed at developing the means to build atom bombs.

The 15-nation council passed a resolution that was the product of five months of talks between the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. With 12 votes in favor, it received the least support of the four Iran sanctions resolutions adopted since 2006.

The resolution calls for measures against new Iranian banks abroad if a connection to the nuclear or missile programs is suspected, as well as vigilance over transactions with any Iranian bank, including the central bank.

It also expands a U.N. arms embargo against Tehran and blacklists three firms controlled by Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and 15 belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The resolution also calls for setting up a cargo inspection regime similar to one in place for North Korea.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37575561/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

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Turkey and Brazil voted against this plan saying they saw no need for more sanctions. They want to continue to work under the plan brokered in October.

Can't really see that bothering them too much. I'd guess that their main export, apart from US$0.5 billion p.a.of hand woven carpets and rugs is oil a substantial amount of which goes to China and is paid for in either Euros or Yen straight into Iran's central bank.

Still, utterly ridiculous.