Nicola Smith, Brussels
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RUSSIA will resist western pressure for tougher United Nations sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme, it said yesterday.
The announcement came after the Kremlin agreed to sell advanced antiaircraft systems to the Iranians, bringing condemnation from the US and adding to tensions over the Russian invasion of Georgia.
Calls for harsher sanctions followed a damning report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which said last week it was “gravely concerned” about Iran’s refusal to cooperate with inspectors looking into its uranium enrichment programme.
Talks in Washington on Friday between the US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China ended in disagreement, although they will continue at the margins of this week’s UN general assembly. Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, threatened in frustration to block Russia’s membership of bodies such as the World Trade Organisation, because of its “authoritarian policies”.
A US State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, played down any expectations that a deal for a new UN resolution on sanctions could be agreed.
He added that Rice had appealed to the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, to put aside differences on Georgia and “work together” over Iran. European diplomats echoed American pessimism.
“The Russians have always been very reluctant,” said a senior European official. “This resolution, if we get it, will be very weak.”
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totally d'accord with russian at least they can stand for they principles against the bully usa
abou, london, england
It is so easy to forget 40 years ago that Hitler and the Nazi Party had fire bombed and invaded numerous European countries. All untill "imperialistic U.S.A" Sent hundreds of thousands of it's sons and daughters to die so that that part of the world could experience their God given right to FREEDOM!
Rusty Shakleford, Freedomville, USA
Iran has argued for an international nuclear fuel consortium to operate Iranian nuclear enrichment. Iranians assert that this international cooperative arrangement and IAEA oversight together will eliminate USA fear that Iran is attempting to use the technology to develop nuclear weapon.
Saint Michael Traveler, San Diego, California, USA
I have an Iranian classmate here in UK. Indeed, he is for the liberation of his country from crazy mullahs and wants to have a secular government. Does anyone in the world want a state run by government who's foreign doctrine is to wipe out another country from the face of earth?
David, Manchester, UK
Dear Sohrab,
May be it is time to get the message from Iran and its people that they do NOT want this american "liberation"! One can always find fault in another's culture. Is in't strange to go and bomb people you want to "liberate"?
Lana, Duncan, Canada
Dear Richard Mimna,
Did you expect to hear different from the US propaganda? It might help to go visit Russia yourself or at least read something more objective. You might be pleasantly surprised. I would not be so blant with your judgements of others especially with the government you have ..
Lana, Duncan, Canada
Seems anyone following Washington dictate is "democratic" and those not following are "authoritarian".
DV, Ontario,
Richard Mimna, Virginia Beach, Va., US who does want a one world government? I certainly dont not if it is anything like the US government. How can they sit in their throne on soveriegnty when they have tanks ready to invade Iran? Orwell I think meant the US... Amercians.. brainwashed idiots
Darren, London, UK
Meanwhile, the US sells aircraft and weapons to Israel, nobody bats an eyelid.
Bob Sapp, London,
To hell with the mullah's, Russians, Chinese and Western bullies. Can ordinary Iranian people live their lives in peace without this geopolitical positioning ?
3 rounds of sanctions have achieved nothing. 10 more rounds will not achieved the targeted aim. What is needed is regime
change in Iran.
Sohrab, NY, USA
Don't expect Iran to answer on whatever nonsense CIA and Mossad put in the hands of IAEA ! today this, tomorrow they forge another set of documents for IAEA.
David, Edinburgh, UK
I totally agree with Russia. I pray Russia The Middle East, North Korea & Latin America unite to bring down all Imperialist Goverments starting with the USA.
Phillip, Ontario, Canada
Hurrah for Russia, one of the few sovereign nations (nations that don't take their orders from Washington's) left in the world. Russia selling anti-aircraft weapons to Iran shouldn't trouble any nation not intent on attacking Iran. Such an attack would be illegal under international law anyway.
Jordan, London,
Good on you Russia at least someone's standing up to the American bullies Bush and co are nothing but Mafioso with authority. No offence to the real Mafiaoso i'm sure having Bush as a soldier is a far cry...
Tim, London, United Kingdom
It is about time Russia stood up for itself; the US keeps punching them in the face then they want Russia's cooperation. Ever hear of backlash.
giz, delta, canada
George Orwell depicted in his book "Animal Farm" a clear view of how Russia operates. Their political system is flawed kleen to the core. Helping Iran is an attempt to sabotage the efforts of NATO and the EU just as was their actions in Georgia last month. They DO NOT want a one world government.
Richard Mimna, Virginia Beach, Va., US