Russia has said that it may support a new set of UN sanctions against Iran if it does not stop work that may lead to the creation of nuclear weapons.
German FM: World Powers Agree on New UN Resolution on Iran ...
Putin in TV appeal for his party ... />Western powers want Iran, which they say is building a weapons programme, to be subjected to sanctions in addition to those imposed in 2006 and 2007.
Correspondents say Russia has until recently been reluctant to impose further sanctions.
Iran denies it is building a nuclear weapons programme.
Plutonium concerns
Asked by journalists if Russia would support sanctions, Mr Churkin said: "Yes. If Iran in the next few days does not stop the enrichment activities of its heavy water project then yes, Russia...has taken upon itself certain commitments...to support the resolution that has been drafted in the past month.
"Russia is constantly insisting that the [UN] Security Council adopt certain sanctions against Iran," he added.
Heavy water reactors produce plutonium, which can be an alternative route to a nuclear device, the other being highly-enriched uranium.
Last week, the UN nuclear watchdog said Iran was being more transparent, but had not given "credible assurances" that it was not building a bomb.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had granted new site access but remained evasive on key issues.
(BBC)
<< Back