Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Big powers say Iran sanctions talks "constructive"
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Big powers say Iran sanctions talks "constructive"
Reuters - Thursday, April 15
Send
IM Story
Print
By Edith Honan and Patrick Worsnip
NEW YORK - Big power envoys said they held constructive talks Wednesday over new U.N. sanctions to try to halt Iran's nuclear program, but diplomats forecast weeks of haggling over a text the Security Council can pass.
"We got into the substance. We are moving forward and we'll have, of course, other meetings," French Ambassador Gerard Araud told reporters after the three-hour meeting.
"We started to negotiate on the basis of the text. I think the six countries are on board," he added, without elaborating or saying when the next meeting would take place.
Ambassadors from the five permanent Security Council members and Germany met at the U.S. mission to the United Nations for their second meeting in a week since China, which has close economic ties with Iran, agreed to join the talks.
The ambassadors of China and Russia, seen as the countries least keen on sanctions, were less upbeat than Araud but called the talks constructive. "We have had a better understanding of each other's positions," said China's Li Baodong.
The envoys were discussing a U.S. draft resolution, first circulated weeks ago, that provides for a fourth round of sanctions on Iran for its refusal to stop uranium enrichment. The West accuses Tehran of seeking to produce atomic arms but Tehran says it aims only to generate electricity.
The draft proposes new curbs on Iranian banking, a full arms embargo, tougher measures against Iranian shipping, moves against members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a ban on new investments in Iran's energy sector.
Diplomats told Reuters this week that China's Li had indicated displeasure at the proposals affecting Iran's energy sector at a first meeting last Thursday with his U.S., British, French, German and Russian counterparts.
Other diplomats said that meeting had been largely confined to statements of opening positions by the ambassadors. There was no immediate indication of whether the latest session had produced any narrowing of the gaps.
U.S. President Barack Obama pressed 46 countries attending a nuclear security summit in Washington Tuesday for swift sanctions on Iran but acknowledged China had concerns about the economic impact and said negotiations were difficult.
Iran is the third largest crude oil supplier to energy-hungry China.
U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates, visiting Peru, hinted Washington might not insist on the toughest possible sanctions, saying the importance of a resolution was "less the specific content than the isolation of Iran by the rest of the world."
"QUITE FAR APART"
One diplomat in New York with knowledge of the negotiations put the chances of an agreement in April at only 25-30 percent. Diplomats see little chance of a resolution in May when Lebanon, whose government includes Iranian-backed Hezbollah, chairs the Security Council, and say June seems more likely.
"We're right at the beginning of the discussion on a text here, and it should be no surprise that they're quite far apart," the diplomat said, speaking before Wednesday's talks.
"The Chinese want something much, much weaker and much, much narrower" than the U.S. draft, he added.
Diplomats say Russia is more keen than China to slap new sanctions on Iran, but it, too, wants to water down the text.
Even if the permanent five can agree, weeks could be spent in further negotiations with the 10 temporary members of the council, three of whom -- Lebanon, Turkey and Brazil -- have indicated they may abstain or vote against a resolution.
But Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday he would say during a visit to Tehran next month that Iran would suffer the consequences if it seeks nuclear arms.
U.S. Under Secretary of State William Burns told a Senate hearing Wednesday China was likely to agree to sanctions, but it would be "very difficult" to get Beijing or Moscow to agree to cut off refined petroleum products to Iran.
That proposal is backed by many U.S. lawmakers. Democratic and Republican party leaders in the House of Representatives both said Wednesday they intended soon to finish legislation that would impose sanctions on Iran's gasoline suppliers.
Oil industry sources said Wednesday state-run Chinaoil had sold a total of about 600,000 barrels of gasoline worth around $55 million to the Islamic Republic.
German carmaker Daimler said, however, that it would almost entirely sever business ties with Iran because of what chief executive Dieter Zetsche called "the policies of the current Iranian leadership."
Western powers say acquisition by Iran of nuclear weapons would be hugely destabilizing to the Middle East.
Iran could produce enough highly enriched uranium for a single nuclear bomb in as little as one year but would probably need three to five years to build a deliverable weapon, top Pentagon officials said Wednesday.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Ash cloud from Iceland eruption grounds flights AFP - 17 minutes ago
Gunfire erupts at rallies in south Kyrgyzstan city: AFP AFP - 1 hour 8 minutes ago
Canadian troops killed 'unarmed Afghan' says translator AFP - 1 hour 12 minutes ago
Mines, bombs killing more Afghan civilians: ICRC AFP - 1 hour 26 minutes ago
UK-World Summary Reuters - 1 hour 33 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
Muted reaction for Obama's new vision for US space travel
New US political battle flares over finance reform
Flights grounded in north Scotland by Iceland ash cloud
India announces new tracking system to protect tigers
Pandemic not over, WHO flu probe hears
More Top Stories »
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Millions of women, infant deaths easily avoidable: study
Mexico Catholic Church seeks child sex abuse pardon
Greece bailout 'up to 90 billion euros': report
Greece hit by new debt doubts, string of strikes
Michelle Obama arrives in Mexico
More Most Viewed »
Two-million-year-old hominid sheds light on evolution
Taiwan's male 'Susan Boyle' a web sensation
Junkies and junk-food addicts share craving mechanism
Toad is a telltale for impending quakes: scientists
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Thursday, 15 April 2010 Six major powers to resume bargaining on UN Iran sanctions
Court expert says 'Nazi guard' ID card authentic
Twitter has over 105 million registered users: co-founder
Elections spark new fears in Darfur camps
Big powers pursue talks on new Iran sanctions
|
Nothing left to chance in hunt for random numbers
Palestinians accuse Jewish settlers of mosque attack
Pandemic not over, WHO flu probe hears
US-TECH Summary
UBS shareholders refuse to absolve ex-managers from blame
Website asks to lift Wall Street "hot news" ban
S.Korea's Hyundai to unveil world's fastest elevator
New US political battle flares over finance reform
Israeli police arrest former Jerusalem mayor
|
Justin Bieber Lands At #1 Again On Billboard With "My World 2.0"
Former Army Officer Pleads Guilty In Iraq War Contract Corruption Case
Finland on track to offer high-speed broadband to all
U.S. concerned Syria may be giving Scuds to Hezbollah
|
Report CItes Opportunity For West To Integrate Russian Economy
Fed's Bernanke sees 'moderate' economic recovery
News
Fed Beige Book Says Economy Grew "Somewhat"
Michelle Obama Continues To Make Fashion Statements In Mexico
Three U.S. Sailors Face Sexual Assault Charges
Rwanda defends suspension of two newspapers; watchdog critical
|
Tomb protest turns deadly in Indonesia's capital
New York Still Being Considered For 9/11 Trial, Holder Testifies
Report Finds Recovery Act Responsible For 2.5 Million Jobs
Storm kills 116, razes 100,000 homes in India, Bangladesh
Beaten Deerfield Beach Teen Out Of Coma, But Left With Severe Brain Injuries
AP Interview: Karzai's brother mends ties with US
New Jersey Transit Approves Fare Hike
Michelle Obama focuses on youth on solo Mexico visit
Ousting a Kyrgyz leader means ousting his family
New UN sanctions on Iran 'likely': US diplomat
Kyrgyz opposition says it may talk with president
Beijing, Kawasaki alive in AFC Champions League
US faces hurdles in aid spending in NW Pakistan
Two killed, dozens injured in clashes in Indonesia
News
Twitter snags over 100 million users, focus on revenue
|
Website says imperiled by Wall Street hot-news ban
|
Psst, hey, want an iPad? Apple fans hit gray market
|
Fed's Bernanke cautions on impact of yuan move
China raises fuel prices as economy steams ahead
Romance of books key in digital age, says Penguin CEO
|
Philippines' San Miguel sees net profit rise 199%
Activists granted extension to save Hollywood sign
Scrappy fighter "Kick-Ass" high on Hollywood radar
Japan's Fujitsu defends expulsion of president
Airbus names new Japan chief
China looks to become global player in railways
India plans 4G mobile sale: report
IMF assures Pakistan to get next tranche in May
Millions dip in Ganges at world's biggest festival
Italy's top court rejects gay marriage
Panahi arrested for making anti-regime film: minister
Activists granted extension to save Hollywood sign
Moody's raises SKorea's credit rating
Wedding fever hits Sweden as palace releases royal nupital details
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"South Park" makers eye Mormon-inspired musical
Justin Bieber reclaims No. 1 on U.S. album chart
French first lady documentary headed for worldwide audience
Japan porn firms threaten piracy lawsuit in Taiwan
Glee almost doubles audience on return to TV
|
South Park makers eye Mormon-inspired musical
|
Justin Bieber reclaims No. 1 on U.S. album chart
|
Canadian troops killed 'unarmed Afghan' says translator
Concern for shelter after China quake kills 617
|
Medvedev on historic Argentina trip
Twitter wants to be tool to thwart censorship
Mines, bombs killing more Afghan civilians: ICRC
Sudan ruling party says nine members killed in south
|
South Korea raises war ship that sank near North
|
US signals new pragmatism with Afghanistan's Karzai
Twitter snags over 100 million users, eyes money-making
Muted reaction for Obama's new vision for US space travel
Thai red shirts regroup, say no action for 2 days
|
Major powers end 'constructive' talks on Iran sanctions
Protests mount in Poland president burial row
Worldwide PC sales up sharply in first quarter
Flights grounded in north Scotland by Iceland ash cloud
Australia's Rudd may call referendum on health impasse
|
Big powers say Iran sanctions talks "constructive"
Relatives of Franco's victims file lawsuit in Argentina
Senegal's Koranic scholars face beatings: report
|
Bashir party asks rivals to join Sudan government
India announces new tracking system to protect tigers
Apple Postpones Global Launch Of iPad
Toshiba U.S. PC sales surge, slates coming
Six-way talks on Iran sanctions resume
U.S. Markets Rally On Retail Sales, Corporate Earnings
US Library of Congress to archive Twitter messages
Romance of books key in digital age, says Penguin CEO
Poland eyes June 20 vote, outcry over funeral plan
|
Psst, hey, want an iPad? Apple fans hit gray market
Obama to Describe New Space Policy with Goal of Manned Mars Mission
Twitter snags over 100 million users, focus on revenue
Yum! Brands Q1 Profit Rises On Strength In China
Grammy Favorites Dixie Chicks Releasing Compilation Album Titled Playlist
Seal Announces Summer European Tour
Shooting disrupts pro-Bakiyev rally in Kyrgyzstan
|
Twitter Announces 105 Million Users During Chirp Conference
Powerful CIA deputy to step down: spy agency
Protesters rally in Indonesia after deadly clash
Indonesian capital tense as riot death toll rises
Defiant Red Shirts prepare for showdown
Company: Chinese cyberattack targets Australia
South Korea hoists sunken warship; dead reported
Gunfire heard at Bakiyev rally in Kyrgyzstan
Quake in remote west China kills 617, buries more
Aid arriving after cyclone kills 112 in east India
Bhutto slaying report set for release
Fireworks in NKorea to celebrate Kim birthday
Twitter snags over 100 million users, eyes money-making
|
Toshiba U.S. PC sales surge, slates coming
|
TV, including porn, rushing for 3D space
Tomb protest turns deadly in Indonesia's capital
US study sheds light on Africa's unique religious mix
Japanese women reborn in the nude through photography
Hard times spur gambling fever sweeping Serbia
Canadian tribute to the art of the perfect turban
CORRECTION: Double elimination ends "Idol" dreams
TV, including porn, rushing for 3D space
Mel Gibson and Russian girlfriend in reported split
Larry King seeks 8th divorce
Mel Gibson and Russian girlfriend in reported split
|
Report: Bank exec gets suspended death sentence
Cooling steps expected as China economy surges
Broadcaster Larry King seeks 8th divorce
|
China's economic growth surges but inflation low
Seoul shares post new 22-month closing high
S.Korea seen buying dlrs to stem won's rise-traders
NZ's Fonterra expects drought to hit milk growth
District 9 star in talks for another alien film
|
Taiwan dollar at 19-month high; helped by stocks
Toyota conducts safety tests on all SUV models
S.Korea replaces another top econ policy maker
Ex-Israeli PM Olmert named in bribery scandal: media
Volcanic ash halts all London flights from 1100 GMT
Olmert named key suspect in Israel scandal: media
Myanmar festival bombings kill eight, wound 94
|
Canada's seal hunt to close early after low harvest
Samsung Electronics to launch safety probe of chip lines
Ash cloud from Iceland eruption grounds flights
Pope says church must do penance for abuse cases
|
DreamWorks to convert "Shrek" cartoons to 3D
Syria says Israel may strike after Scud accusation
|
Icelandic volcano eruption intensifies
|
Hamas executes two Palestinians in Gaza
|
Samsung Electronics to launch safety probe of chip lines
Olmert suspect in new bribery case: media
|
Civilian bomb injuries soar in south Afghanistan
SKorea hoists sunken warship, finds dead bodies
Bombs kill 9 at Myanmar New Year water festival
Obama to present new vision for US space travel
Syria denies charges of sending Scuds to Hezbollah
Pakistan Senate passes bill cutting prez powers
Obama on Afghan: We can't be there in perpetuity
Thousands need aid after deadly Indian storm strikes
Japan astronaut solves bubble puzzle
Nine killed in Yangon bomb blasts: official
At least 9 dead as blasts hit Myanmar festivities
DreamWorks to convert Shrek cartoons to 3D
|
Opera says 1 million downloads of iPhone browser Day 1
|
Samsung Electronics to launch safety probe of chip lines
|
New safety risks hit Toyota, Mazda vehicles
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
India inflation nears double-digits, rate hike seen
Film star Spacey talks Shakespeare in Paris
China raises minimum down payment for second homes
Hollywood courting young actors
Pakistan's forex reserves rise to $15.05 bln
Pakistani o/n rates up; rupee flat; stocks higher
Samsung Electronics tries to quell cancer concerns
Indonesian woman denies 'martyr' death wish
China shares flat on uncertainty of stock futures
Protesters rally in Indonesia after deadly clash
China's Agricultural Bank names 9 banks for IPO
GE and India's Triveni to make steam turbines
Snoop Dogg added to "staggering" Glastonbury bill
Stevie Wonder to star at Glastonbury Festival
Patrick Dempsey fighting tequila hangover
Film star Spacey talks Shakespeare in Paris
Zac Efron to play drug smuggler in thriller
French actress to play mermaid in "Pirates 4"
Hollywood courting young actors
|
UK actress Hayley Atwell joins "Captain America"
Patrick Dempsey fighting tequila hangover
|
Hollywood courting young actors
Zac Efron to play drug smuggler in thriller
|
A Minute With; Glee music producer Adam Anders
|
Double elimination ends Idol dreams for Garcia, Stevens
|
UK actress Hayley Atwell joins Captain America
|
French actress to play mermaid in Pirates 4
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights