Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Iran

Iran Swiftly Rejects UN Resolution On Nuclear Activities

Iranian UN Ambassador Javad Zarif (file photo) (Fars)

UNITED NATIONS, December 23, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Iran has swiftly rejected the United Nations Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.

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December 23, 2006

Iran's Foreign Ministry called the resolution an "invalid" and "extralegal act" outside the bounds of the UN's charter, and vowed to continue with what it called its "peaceful nuclear plans."

Iran's UN ambassador, Javad Zarif, called the resolution an attempt to intimidate Iran.

"Bringing Iran's peaceful nuclear program to the council by a few of its permanent members, particularly the United States, is not aimed at, nor will it help [to find] a solution or encourage negotiations," he said. "Their stated objective has always been to use the council as an instrument of pressure and intimidation to compel Iran to abandon its rights."

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly said that a UN resolution would not deter Tehran from continuing to develop its nuclear program.

Meanwhile, both Israel and the United States responded to the resolution by saying the limited trade sanctions do not go far enough. U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns called on the international community to push for tougher sanctions.

Iran, Syria, And Hizballah

Iranians demonstrating in support of Hizballah in Tehran on July 17 (epa)

'FOR THE SAKE OF LEBANON': The Islamic Republic of Iran has served as an ideological inspiration for Hizballah since the Lebanese militant group's creation in 1982, and Tehran acknowledges that it supports the organization morally and politically. "Yes, we are friends of Syria and Iran" Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah has said. "For 24 years we benefited from our friendship with Syria and Iran for the sake of Lebanon...." (more)

Hizballah -- Past And Present

Tehran Playing Key Role In Israel-Lebanon Crisis

Iran, Hizballah Brush Off U.S. Terrorism Label

Intifada Conference In Tehran Has Multiple Objectives

UN Resolution Rankles Syria, Hizballah, Iran

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RFE/RL coverage of Iran. RFE/RL web special on Iran's nuclear program.

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