UN Security Council imposes new sanctions on Iran over nuclear programme (+ analysis); North Korean guards kill Chinese residents; NATO convoy attacked in Pakistan, seven dead; Germany and France press for faster regulations and wider short selling ban; and more
Top of the Agenda: UN Set to Vote on Iran Sanctions
The UN Security Council has moved to impose (NYT) new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme. This set of sanctions were set to target the Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran's military and nuclear industries. The main sanctions focus on its nuclear industry, heavy weapons sales, and a push for ship inspections. In negotiations, China insisted the sanctions not harm Iran's day-to-day economy. The number of entities listed is twice that of any previous resolution. Iran warned it would not agree to nuclear talks if the sanctions were imposed. Critics say this fourth round of sanctions since 2006 will do no more to deter Iran or force it back into negotiations. Only one bank is included on the list, after China argued that singling out more banks would unfairly harm Iran's economy.
Security Council members Brazil and Turkey said the sanctions will kill attempts (BBC) to revive negotiations with Iran in a last-minute special session at the UN Tuesday. While Turkey, Brazil, and Lebanon did not back the resolution, none of them has a veto.
Analysis:
In the Times of London, Amir Taheri says Iran has succeeded in dragging non-Arab states, notably Turkey, a former ally of Israel, into conflict with Israel to create a pan-Islamic front.
In the Washington Post, Thomas Erdbrink and Colum Lynch say Iran's ability to navigate a perilous diplomatic course reflects Tehran's savvy and U.S. troubles.
Background:
Read the draft UN resolution here (PDF).
PACIFIC RIM: North Korea Guards Kills Three Chinese
China's government said three Chinese residents were shot and killed by North Korean border guards last week, in an incident that could complicate (WSJ) ties between Pyongyang and its powerful ally Beijing.
China: Japan's Honda continues to face opposition (NYT) from Chinese workers, with at least two auto-parts suppliers staging strikes and several assembly plants shut down.
ELSEWHERE:
- NATO Convoy Downed in Pakistan
- Germany and France Press EU to Quicken Financial Regs
This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org