United Nations: Exuding confidence that the new IAEA report about Iran's controversial nuclear programme would help them win over UN Security Council members, the US and its allies have submitted a resolution to the top organ of the world body seeking sanctions against Tehran.

Britain and France, backed by the US, had submitted to the 15-member United Nations Security Council third resolution on sanctions against Iran and their senior diplomats are scheduled to meet with those of Russia, China and Germany to discuss the future course of action. Germany is not a member of the Council but supports the position of the United States and its allies.

The International Atomic Energy, in its latest report, has said that Iran is strengthening its uranium enrichment programme. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes and its enrichment activities are a part of it and not aimed at producing nuclear weapons as the West suspect.

The position of South Africa, Indonesia, Libya and Vietnam on the resolution was not yet clear but western diplomats say they have a majority to get the resolution through by Friday next even if the four oppose it. However, they would like it to be passed unanimously to send a firm message to Tehran that it should stop its enrichment activities as demanded by the Council in earlier resolutions. Nine votes are required for any substantive resolution to be adopted.

Source : PTI