World powers urge Iran to agree to new negotiations “without preconditions”November 18, 2011 - 09:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - World powers meeting at the United Nations’ nuclear agency have agreed on a draft resolution sharply criticizing Iran for its nuclear activities while deferring any discussion of new UN sanctions until the spring, two Western diplomats familiar with the document said Thursday, November 17. The resolution, which is expected to gain formal approval by the nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation governing board Friday, is a partial victory for Western powers seeking a unified message of rebuke to Iran over its nuclear policies. But the omission of any specific recommendations for penalties was a concession to Russia and China, which have steadfastly opposed new sanctions against Iran, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in describing diplomatic deliberations. Just 48 hours earlier, some Western governments had been skeptical that the two countries could be persuaded to support any resolution strongly critical of Iran. The draft resolution expresses “deep and increasing concern about the unresolved issues” in Iran’s nuclear program, particularly allegations that Iran has sought sensitive technology used in making nuclear warheads, said a senior U.S. official familiar with the document now before board members of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Although it contains no specific recommendation for new sanctions, the document urges Iran to agree to new negotiations “without preconditions,” and it calls on the IAEA to update its findings in March. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |