United Nations: Russia said yesterday (Dec 22, 2006) said that it is still awaiting revised draft of the resolution seeking to impose sanctions on Iran for continuing its uranium enrichment programme after discussions with the sponsors.

Moscow would be ready for a vote anytime if the understanding reached during the discussion is reflected in the new draft, its Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters.

He rejected the suggestion that Russia was trying to block the resolution but said it needs to ensured that the language cannot interpreted to go beyond the concept of the resolution.

The aim of the resolution, he said, is to persuade Iran to go back to negotiating table. Russia is not opposed to preventing Iran from acquiring technology and equipment for uranium enrichment and reprocessing of fuel and for missiles but Tehran has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful pur poses under the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.

Russia, diplomats say, has problem with the provision of asset freeze of individuals and entities connected with Iran nuclear programme and annex to the draft which identifies 12 individuals and 11 entities.

Talking to reporters, Churkin cautioned against imposing sanctions on individuals and entities without proof. It just cannot be said that countries should stop doing business with someone without proof that it is indulging in forbidden activities.