Wednesday, May 3 2006 11:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Paris: Envoys from the top five UN powers, plus Germany, said a 'firm' international response was needed over Iran's nuclear programme, but remained at odds over what measures to take after a Paris meeting yesterday (May 3, 2006) night ended without agreement.

Further negotiations were to take place in coming days, with foreign ministers to gather in New York next Monday with the aim of producing a UN resolution acceptable to all.

The hardening stance against Iran, led by the West's push to impose sanctions, sent oil prices to a new record level. Brent North Sea crude for June delivery rose to 74.97 dollars a barrel.

The Paris talks were the first among senior representatives of Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, as well as Germany, since the International Atomic Energy told the Security Council last Friday that Iran was in breach of a UN demand to halt uranium enrichment.

Nicholas Burns, the number three in the US State Department, said after the meeting with counterparts from the other countries that "All agreed that the Iran nuclear programme should be suspended, and agreed to begin Security Council debate and start negotiating a resolution for suspension".

But he also voiced frustration with permanent Security Council members Russia and China which are opposing the United States and its EU allies. "It's time for countries to take responsibilities, especially those countries that have close relationships with Iran," he said.

The US, backed by Britain, France and Germany, fear Iran is on the path to building a nuclear arsenal under cover of developing atomic energy and wants to invoke Chapter 7 of the UN's Charter a passage that would open the way for sanctions and eventually even force as a way to freeze its activities.

But Moscow and Beijing, which are major trading partners with oil-rich Iran, are calling instead for a softer approach.