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UN Security Council Members to Decide on Iran Sanctions

Thursday, 25 February 2010 22:55

The UN Security Council is currently discussing a new round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear weapons development program. Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, whose country is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, said that the UN body is likely to reach a decision on this fourth round of sanctions in March. France, who is holding the presidency of the UN Security Council until the end of February, advocates for a tough stance against Iran.[1] The Security Council has previously adopted three weak resolutions imposing sanctions on Iran for its refusal to stop its nuclear activities and cooperate with UN inspectors since 2006.[2] Iran continues to ignore all international actions designed to pressure it to stop its uranium enrichment program. Instead, the Islamic Republic called the sanctions illegal.[3] Thus, the international community is looking at stronger sanctions to peacefully prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.

The UN Security Council has five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. Each member of both groups is to hold the presidency of the Security Council for period of one-month. The non-permanent UN Security Council members are elected for two-year terms by members of the UN General Assembly.[4]

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States. The ten non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2010 are: Austria (until the end of 2010), Bosnia-Herzegovina (until the end of 2011), Brazil (until the end of 2011), Gabon (until the end of 2011), Japan (until the end of 2010), Lebanon (until the end of 2011), Mexico (until the end of 2010), Nigeria (until the end of 2011), Turkey (until the end of 2010), Uganda (until the end of 2010).

Below is an update on each member’s relations with Iran.

AUSTRIA

Austria, with energy and other ties to Iran, has accrued a reputation of being soft on Iran.[5], Austria joined forces with Italy in 2008 to head a group within the EU that was against additional pressure and measures against the Islamic Republic. From that time on, public pressure on Austria has continuously increased as the US, Great Britain, and France have all complained about Vienna’s "slack" [6] position.

However, on February 17, 2010, Austrian Foreign Minister, Michael Spindelegger, said: "Iran is the most important issue. Also in the European Union we understand that after Ahmadinejad’s most recent declarations we have to react. There is no other way." The Foreign Minister then added that as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council Austria will work towards advancing sanctions and that at the same time Austria will advance discussion on UN sanctions through the framework of the European Union.[7]

There are approximately 680 Austrian companies that have business dealings with Iranian companies or the Iranian state.[8] Around 35 Austrian companies have branch offices in Iran; another 500 have business dealings with the Islamic Republic every now and then. Today, only a few speak publicly about their involvement with Iran.[9] Austrian exports to Iran have doubled since 2002.[10] Iran is one of Austria’s major trade partners and has a long history of cooperation with Austria in the energy sector. In April 2007, the Austrian energy group OMV signed a deal with Iran’s National Oil Company valued at nearly 22 billion euros. Support for OMV has come from Austria’s government. Austria ranks among the countries that take a critical stance over tougher EU sanctions against Iran.[11]

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA

In February 2010, Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki highlighted Iran’s readiness to become involved in economic projects in Bosnia Herzegovina. He said: "The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on expansion and consolidation of ties with independent states and Bosnia has a special place in this regard." Mottaki further pointed to Iran’s assistance with the Bosnian nation during the war in the Balkans and underlined that friendship at times of friendship in time of peace.[12]

In October 2009, Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina declared that they are willing to expand mutual relations in politics, culture, economy and parliamentary cooperation.[13]

BRAZIL

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was one of the few world leaders to congratulate Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his reelection. In his message, Lula da Silva expressed his hopes for increased political dialogue and economical cooperation between the two nations.[14] Brazil hosted Ahmadinejad in November 2009.[15]

In February 2010, Brazil cautioned the international community against imposing sanctions against Iran and asked Western powers to choose dialogue instead.[16] Brazil has told the US and France it does not support tougher sanctions and will continue to seek more trade with Iran. "We are not considering sanctions a good idea now," Ambassador Maria Viotti said. Brazil rejects the US’s view that evidence of Iran’s ambitions to develop a nuclear bomb is indisputable.[17]

Iran is interested in a partnership with Brazilian state-controlled oil producer Petroleo Brasileiro SA.[18] Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said: "Iran and Brazil can play very important in the new world order on […] the international scene."[19] At the same time, Brazil will host upcoming summer Olympics and is looking to be a larger player on the global scene.

CHINA

Beijing is Tehran’s biggest trading partner. China now receives 15 percent of its oil from Iran and is Iran’s second biggest consumer after Japan. China pays for its oil by protecting Iran against UN sanctions.[20]

China remains one of Iran’s strongest allies on the UN Security Council and is a major supplier of technology and other assistance.[21] China has had considerable involvement in Iranian militarization efforts, including offers of weapons, nuclear technology and capital goods, in exchange for Iranian oil.[22] Beijing is providing Iran with advanced military technology, including access to improved ballistic missile capability.[23]

In February 2010, China’s Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi, made clear that China was ready to stand alone among the permanent members of the UN Security Council in opposing sanctions.[24] China calls for more "diplomatic efforts" to resolve the nuclear crisis with Iran.[25] By refusing to back robust sanctions, China is effectively ignoring the will of the UN Security Council and allowing Iran to progress with its nuclear weapons development program.[26] China might reject any sanctions aimed at supporting Iran’s opposition movement.[27]

FRANCE

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has adopted a tough political position towards Iran since his election in 2007.[28] France, together with Russia and the US, recently sent the head of the IAEA a letter expressing concern over Iran’s production of high enriched uranium.[29] France has considerably hardened its stance towards Iran’s nuclear program. In February 2010, France’s Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, has accused Iran of leading a "headlong rush" in its nuclear program but "it’s not too late to use political means to prevent Iran from obtaining a military nuclear ability."[30]

France and the US both have prepared informal papers outlining suggestions for punitive measures against Iran, which the UN Security Council could approve. The French paper includes a call for targeting Iran’s energy sector.[31]

However, the French energy company Total, the number 4 oil company in the world, sells gasoline to Iran now and on November 12, 2009, said that an embargo against gasoline sales to Iran "wouldn’t work" and further stated: "The gas of Iran will be very important to supply Europe. Iran will be part of our system or we will have problems."[32] Christophe de Margerie, Total’s CEO, said with regard to Iran: "We would like to go there but we cannot. Total is actively attentive (to Iran): It is normal to maintain relations there which will allow us, when the time comes, to sign contracts."[33]

GABON

In February 2010, President of Gabon, Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba, highlighted the importance of Gabon’s relations with Iran and welcomed the expansion of the two countries in the political and economic area. Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, said in response that Tehran is ready to provide Gabon with its high technical and engineering capabilities.[34]

In May 2009, Gabon’s Culture Minister Paul Mba Abessole said Iran is a source of honor for the Africans. He further called Ayatollah Ali Khomeini a great leader of Islamic movements, especially among African nations. Mehdi Mostafavi, head of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO), said Iran is ready to sign cultural deals with Gabon.[35]

However, Gabon has close ties to France and is thought to be coordinating their Iran strategy with the French Republic. Starting on March 1, Gabon will chair the UN Security Council.

JAPAN

Japan depends heavily on Iran for its oil imports, but relations have been tense with Iran ever since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Cultural and scientific ties, however, have continued.[36] In January 2010, Japan’s Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said Japan would support international sanctions against Iran if necessary. He emphasized his hopes for a solution through dialogue however, should that not be possible "Japan will not oppose this decision".[37] Getting at least one of the leasing Asian powers – China or Japan – on board the international sanctions push is being described as a key goal of the US administration.[38]

Japan remains concerned that if it gives up energy deals with Iran that China could take them over– causing Japan to lose energy supplies without impacting Iran’s economy.

In November 2009, Japan confirmed its "determination towards the total elimination of nuclear weapon".[39] A leader in work to reduce North Koreas nuclear program, Japan has a major stake in sanctions against rogue regimes efforts to gain nuclear weapons. Japan will take the UN Security Council Presidency on April 1.

LEBANON

In June 2009, after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected as Iran’s president, Lebanese president Michel Suleiman congratulated his counterpart. He then expresses hopes that relations between Tehran and Beirut would further expand in line with interests of the two sides.[40] In the past few years, Iran and Lebanon have increased trade as well as political ties.[41] In January 2010, President Suleiman said that Lebanon’s relations with Iran were excellent.[42]

Iran is a key supporter of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon, supplying it with weapons and money.[43] Hezbollah receives at least 200 million US dollars per year from Iran.[44] All of Hizballah’s policies and activities are coordinated with the leadership of Iran, including the firing of rockets for which direct Iranian approval is required.[45]

MEXICO

Iran has quietly established closer ties to Mexico in recent years. Throughout 2009, Iran has been pushing for an expansion of trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations. Iran’s outreach to Mexico has proceeded with hardly any public mention.[46] Iran is currently exploring ways to expand "anemic" trade with Mexico as part of stepped up efforts to strengthen ties with Latin America.[47] Iran would particularly expand tourism and energy cooperation with Mexico.[48]

Although Mexico and the United States have strong ties, on the sanctions issue, with strong ties, Mexico has largely remained silent. [49]

NIGERIA

In 2008, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister said that relations between Iran and Nigeria had tremendous potentials and opportunities for mutual benefit in various areas such as oil and gas development.[50] Iran has previously announced to share its nuclear technology with Nigeria. Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer.[51] Both Iran and Nigeria are major OPEC members.[52]

RUSSIA

Russia has strong ties with Tehran. Its capacity to provide technical help for the Iranian nuclear drive is seen by some experts as giving it an unmatched power of leverage in Tehran.[53] Russian-Iranian ties are being tested: Moscow is concerned about Iran’s nuclear weapons development program and Iran is concerned over big business deals with Russia that have been subject to political delays.[54] In February 2010, Russia announced another delay in delivery of S-300 advanced air defense missiles. In December 2005, Russia signed a contract to sell least five S-300 systems to Iran.[55]

On February 17, 2010, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s spokeswoman Natalia Timakova urged Iran to cooperate with the IAEA. “If these obligations are not fulfilled, no one can exclude the application of sanctions,” Timakova said. On February 10, 2010, Russian Foreign Ministry Deputy Sergei Ryabkov said, after Tehran moved forward with enriching high-grade uranium, that new sanctions against Iran have become "more realistic".[56] In mid-February, Russia joined America and France in open criticism of Iran’s nuclear weapons development program. The statement said: "[…] Iran’s enrichment if its LEU (low-enriched uranium) stockpile to higher levels is not only unnecessary, but would serve to further undermine the confidence of the international community in Iran’s actions."[57]

Russia’s relations with Iran are based on realpolitik and energy. The Russian-Iranian relationship is anchored firmly in the respective countries’ perceptions of national self-interest and the strengthening of energy ties. For Russia, Iran is a regional power and an important trade partner. Russia needs Iran for arms sales, as well as for maintaining the security of Russia’s southern borders; Iran needs Russia for military equipment, energy security and political protection at the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

TURKEY

After Ahmadinejad's disputed presidential re-election in June 2009, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ally, Turkish president Abdullah Gul were among the first foreign leaders to make congratulatory phone calls, ignoring the mass protests and concerns of Western leaders over the result’s legitimacy. Erdogan justified the move as a "necessity of bilateral relations."[58] In February 2010, Turkey has again praised the elections despite ongoing unrest. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu reiterated Turkey’s position vis a vis the nuclear standoff with Iran by saying that the dispute should be resolved through dialogue by using diplomatic means instead of tough tension and threats.[59]

Erdogan noted that trade between Iran and Turkey surpassed $10 billion last year and stated that the two countries are determined to increase it to $30 billion.[60] Turkey and Iran plan to set up a joint industrial zone in a border area.[61] On February 3, 2010, Turkish and Iranian officials met at the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting, where Turkish State Minister Cevdet Yilmaz said Turkey aimed at opening a "golden age" in Turkish-Iranian relations. He further stated that Turkey and Iran were two "friend and brother" countries.[62]

UGANDA

In July 2009, Uganda invited the Iranian government and companies to invest in Uganda’s oil industry. In response, Ahmadinejad promised to fund the entire value chain of Uganda’s oil production and jointly fund the construction of an oil refinery in Uganda. Iran also showed interest in training Ugandans in her University of Petroleum and other oil institutions in Iran.[63]

In January 2010, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, said that the West is being encouraged by certain Third World countries to pursue their "evil policies";"We should behave in a way that they [the West] are not tempted to continue their hegemony over us." He further said that Kampala is seeking to expand ties with Tehran emphasizing the importance of the relationship between Islamic countries and Uganda.[64]

Uganda and Iran have shared close diplomatic relations for more than 30 years. Iran currently operates nine oil refineries and is building another seven.[65] Ugandan parliament said that Tehran has asked Uganda to work against sanctions against Iran.[66] The Ugandan ambassador to Iran said that establishing an Iranian commercial center in Uganda has been approved which will increase the economic relationship between both countries.[67]

At the same time, Uganda has close ties to America and the US government provides financial assistance to Uganda worth over 520 million US dollars annually.[68]

UNITED KINGDOM

Britain and Iran have a long and turbulent diplomatic history and the rapid deterioration of relations since the disputed Iranian elections of 12 June 2009 has caused consternation in the West and heightened suspicion of the British in Iran.

Britain is positively inclined to support a fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran.[69] The Iranian government has long been distrustful of Britain due to its diplomatic proximity to the United States but also due to its historical involvement in Iran.

On February 2, 2010, Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown said if Tehran did not start to cooperate, it must be "isolated".[70] In June 2009, shortly after Iran’s presidential elections, the already troubled relations between Britain and Iran hit a new low with the "tit-for-tat expulsion" of each other’s diplomats.[71] Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has singled out Britain as the "most evil" country.[72]

On February 17, 2010, the Iranian parliament has presented a proposal to the government to decrease Iran’s economic relations with Britain following London’s hostile stances against Tehran. It further announced that it has lowered its diplomatic and political ties with Britain and has expelled a number of experts from the British embassy in Tehran.[73]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Iran was once a powerful ally of the US. The "breaking point" of the US-Iranian relations was the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, when Iranian students held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. There have been no diplomatic relations between the US and Iran since 1979.[74]

In 2010, US President Barack Obama declared himself open to dialogue to "intransigent states" like Iran.[75] The United States under President Obama has been working on a "menu" of sanctions that could be imposed by the UN or by the US in coordination with the EU.[76] The sanctions could include expanding travel bans for individuals and institutions that have close ties to Iran’s government and the IRGC. On February 15, 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned of a drift toward a military dictatorship.[77] The US is trying to get Russia and China to join Washington, Britain, France and Germany (the P5+1) in imposing harsher sanctions against Iran.[78]

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the Obama administration has gone further than any administration to reach out to Iran and said: "The response has been quite disappointing."[79]

Global Arab Networkd

References

* Source: Réalité-EU

[1] Keinon, Herb: "'New UN Iran sanctions in March'," The Jerusalem Post, February 18, 2010, http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=168992

[2] "Sanctions may come in February, Merkel says," Trend.az, January 27, 2010, http://en.trend.az/regions/iran/1626572.html

[3] "Iran brands UN resolution illegal," BBC Online, September 2005, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4279824.stm

[4] "UN Security Council – Profile," BBC Online, January 12, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/2375499.stm

[5] Ultsch, Christian: "Österreich bremst bei Sanktionen gegen den Iran," Die Presse, December 2., 2009, http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/525869/index.do

[6] Ibid.

[7] Spokesperson’s Department, Office of the President of the State of Israel, February 17, 2010

[8] Bacher, Marion: "Das Geld der Mullahs," Datum, July-August 2008, http://www.datum.at/7808/stories/5018598

[9] Press review WKO, June 22., 2009, http://portal.wko.at/wk/dok_detail_file.wk?AngID=1&DocID=1077439&ConID=396413

[10] Grigat, Stephan: "Iran: Keine Geschäfte zwischen Deutschland und den Mullahs," Der Tagesspiegel, January 27, 2009, http://www.tagesspiegel.de/meinung/kommentare/Iran-Nuklearprogramm-Sanktionen;art141,2716148

[11] "Außenbeziehungen: Österreich bremst bei Sanktionen gegen den Iran," Die Presse, July 23, 2008, http://diepresse.com/home/politik/eu/400742/index.do?from=suche.intern.portal

[12] "FM: Iran Keen to Involve in Economic Projects in Bosnia," Fars News Agency, February 9, 2010, http://en.iccim.ir/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2737:fm-iran-keen-to-involve-in-economic-projects-in-bosnia&catid=103:iran-economy-bulletin

[13] "Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina call for promotion of ties," Serbianna, October 7,2009, http://serbianna.com/blogs/michaletos/?p=664

[14] "Brazilian president congratulates Ahmadinejad on re-election," August 12, 2009, http://www.president.ir/en/?ArtID=17485

[15] "Brazil cautions on sacntions against Iran," Reuters, February 9, 2010, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0910876520100209

[16] „Brazil cautions on sanctions against Iran,“ Reuters, February 9, 2010, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0910876520100209

[17] Varner, Bill: "Brazil Resists Push for Tougher Sanctions on Iran, Envoy Says," Business Week, February 17, 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-17/brazil-resists-push-for-tougher-sanctions-on-iran-envoy-says.html

[18] Varner, Bill: "Brazil Resists Push for Tougher Sanctions on Iran, Envoy Says," Business Week, February 17, 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-17/brazil-resists-push-for-tougher-sanctions-on-iran-envoy-says.html

[19] "Brazil, Iran seek more joint economuc cooperation," Thaindian News, September 2009, http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/brazil-iran-seek-more-joint-economic-cooperation_100245838.html

[20] Danby, Michael: "Blame China for Iran’s Nuke," Wall Street Journal, February 11, 2010, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703382904575058641316152822.html

[21] Blair, David: "UN approves fresh sanctions against Iran"“ The Telegraph, March 3, 2008, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1580585/UN-approves-fresh-sanctions-against-Iran.html

[22] Mc Laughlin, Kathleen E.: "Centuries-old partnership binds China, Iran together," San Francisco Chronicle, September 18, 2006, http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/09/18/MNGJPL7MQ41.DTL

[23] Shuja, Sharif: "Warming Sino-Iranian Relations: Will China Trade Nuclear Technology For Oil?," Jamestown Foundation, July 23, 2005, http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/chinainstitute/nav03.cfm?nav03=44166&nav02=43873&nav01=43092

[24] Borger, Julian: "Iran says ‚final’ deal on uranium exchange is near"“ The Guardian, February 6, 2010, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/05/china-taiwan-iran-arms-us

[25] "China repeats call for diplomatic resolution on Iran," Reuters, February 23, 2010, http://alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/TOE61M063.htm

[26] "China says no to nuclear sanctions on Iran,“ Agence France Presse, October 30, 2007, http://www.centurychina.com/plaboard/archive/3786637.shtml

[27] Chick, Kristen: "China balks at Iran sanctions," Christian Science Monitor, January 17, 2010, http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0117/China-balks-at-Iran-sanctions

[28] "Sarkozy tells Iran to join nuclear talks or face further isolation," France 24, June 4, 2009, http://www.france24.com/en/20090604-sarkozy-iran-nuclear-talks-tehran-weapons-france

[29] "Russia, U.S., France express concerns over Iran’s enrichment plan," APA, February 17, 2010, http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=116220

[30] „France to press for UN sanctions vs. Iran," Associated Press, February 4, 2010, http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1172558&lang=eng_news&cate_img=1037.jpg&cate_rss=General

[31] "Factbox: West pushes for new sanctions against Iran," Reuters, February 3, 2010, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6125X620100203

[32] "Total CEO calls Iran gasoline embargo unworkable," Reuters, November 12, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AC03420091113

[33] "Total eyes Iranian gas projects despite sanctions," Middle East Online, February 11, 2010, http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/business/?id=37166

[34] "Gabonese President Terms Relations with Iran Important," Fars News Agency, February 1, 2010, http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8811121230

[35] "Gabon Minister: Iran Source of Honor for Africans," Fars News Agency, May 4, 2010, http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8802140871

[36] Azimi, Nassrine: "Japan’s Iran Moment," The New York Times, February 17, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/18/opinion/18iht-edazimi.html

[37] "Germany and Japan share the same values," Auswärtiges Amt, January 2010, http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/AAmt/BM-Reisen/2010/01-JapanChina/100114-japan.html

[38] "Japan trying to mediate Iran nuclear deal," February 1, 2010, http://israelmatzav.blogspot.com/2010/02/japan-trying-to-mediate-iran-nuclear.html

[39] "United States-Japan Joint Statement toward a world without Nuclear Weapons," The White House, November 13, 2009, http://geneva.usmission.gov/2009/11/15/us-japan-joint-statement/

[40] "World leaders Congratulate Ahmadinejad’s reelection," June 15, 2009, http://www.president.ir/en/?ArtID=16922

[41] "Iran-Lebanon trade up in three years," IRNA, June 29, 2009, http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090224060834

[42] "Lebanese President: Lebanon, Iran Coordinated in Their Position vis-à-vis UN Security Council," MEMRI, January 17, 2010, http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/23902.htm

[43] Karimi, Nasser: "Iran vows to stand by Hezbollah against Israel," Associated Press, February 18, 2010, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100218/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iran_hezbollah

[44] Abrams, Scott: "Lebanon’s Triumph, Iran’s Travesty," The New York Times, June 11, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/opinion/12abrams.html?_r=2

[45] Klein, Aaron: "Hezbollah: Rockets fired into Israel directed by Iran," WorldNetDaily, May 7, 2008, http://www.wnd.com/

[46] Bensmann, Todd: "Iran reaches out to Mexico," GlobalPost, April 9, 2009, http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/mexico/090407/iran-reaches-out-mexico

[47] Olson, Alexandra: "Iran eyes Mexico in deepening Latin America ties," Associated Press, February 26, 2009, http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/26/2482481-iran-eyes-mexico-in-deepening-latin-america-ties

[48] "Iran-Mexico want to expand relations," PressTV, February 28, 2009, http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=87022&sectionid=351020102

[49] Bensmann, Todd: "Iran reaches out to Mexico," GlobalPost, April 9, 2009, http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/mexico/090407/iran-reaches-out-mexico

[50] "Nigeria and Iran open discussion on nuclear power," AfricaFiles, August 27, 2008, http://www.africafiles.org/article.asp?ID=18847

[51] "Nigeria, Iran to share nuclear technology," Afrol News, http://www.afrol.com/articles/30540

[52] "Iran, Nigeria Set to Expand Ties," People’s Daily, January 11, 2001, http://english.people.com.cn/english/200101/11/eng20010111_60205.html

[53] Williams, Stuart: "Obama bids for Russian help on Iran," Agence France Presse, November 14, 2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jB1iIeTXKscLXBWrVrae-fRTaU0g

[54] Peterson, Scott: "Iran nuclear program faces setback from Russian reactor delay," Christian Science Monitor, November 16, 2009, http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2009/1116/p06s19-wome.html

[55] Halpin, Tony: "Russia delays delivery of S-300 advanced air defence missiles to Iran," Times, February 17, 2010, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7031284.ece

[56] "Russia says Iran sanctions 'more realistic'," WashingtonTV, February 10, 2010, http://televisionwashington.com/floater_article1.aspx?lang=en&t=1&id=17620

[57] McElroy, Damien: "Iran defiant as Russia joins US and France in nuclear sanctions push," The Telegraph, February 16, 2010, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/7252461/Iran-defiant-as-Russia-joins-US-and-France-in-nuclear-sanctions-push.html

[58] Tait, Robert: "'Iran is our friend,' says Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan," The Guardian, October 26, 2009, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/26/turkey-iran1

[59] Özerkan, Fulya: "Turkey Hails Iran’s Presidential Elections Again," Journal of the Turkish Weekly, February 3, 2010, http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/97027/turkey-hails-iran-39-s-presidential-elections-again.html

[60] "Turkey, Iran seeking to boost trade to $30 billion," Tehran Times, February 4, 2010, http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=213680

[61] „Turkey, Iran to set up industrial zone," RIA Novosti, January 9, 2010, http://en.rian.ru/business/20100109/157502282.html

[62] "Turkey, Iran Gather in Economic Committee Meeting," Journal of the Turkish Weekly, February 3, 2010, http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/97009/turkey-iran-gather-in-economic-committee-meeting.html

[63] Katusiime, Doreen: "Uganda: Iran’s Entry Into Oil Industry May Trigger Curse," East African Business Week, July 13, 2009, http://allafrica.com/stories/200907131454.html

[64] "Uganda backs Iran’s right to nuclear technology," Mehr News, January 30, 2010, http://www.mehrnews.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=1026672

[65] Das, Devapriyo: "Trade partnership with Iran keeps Uganda afloat in financial storm," The Observer, July 22, 2009, http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4359&Itemid=68

[66] http://www.asriran.com/fa/pages/?cid=99349

[67] "Iran, Uganda to expand economic ties," Tehran Times, January 7, 2010, http://en.iccim.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2488&Itemid=129

[68] Kazoora, John: "Uganda: Hillary Clinton’s Mission is an Intricicate Chore," All Africa, February 11, 2010, http://allafrica.com/stories/201002110143.html

[69] "Netanyahu to lobby in Russia for Iran sanctions," Reuters, February 14, 2010, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61D0WA20100214

[70] "Brown calls for further sanctions against Iran," BBC Online, February 2, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8493970.stm

[71] Black, Ian: "Relations between old adversaries Britain and Iran hit new los," The Guardian, June 23, 2009, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/23/iran-expulsion-diplomats-khamenei

[72] Black, Ian: "Relations between old adversaries Britain and Iran hit new los"“ The Guardian, June 23, 2009, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/23/iran-expulsion-diplomats-khamenei

[73] "Iran Likely to Halve Economic Ties with Britain," Fars News Agency, February 16, 2010, http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8811271330

[74] Tran, Mark: "Q&A: US-Iran relations," The Guardian, January 28, 2009, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/28/iran-united-states-relations-explained

[75] Cooper, Helene: "U.S. Encounters Limits of Iran Engagement Policy," The New York Times, February 15, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/world/middleeast/16engage.html

[76] Entous, Adam; Colvin, Ross: "U.S. eying more targeted sanctions," Reuters, December 30, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BS3X920091230

[77] Cooper, Helene: "U.S. Encounters Limits of Iran Engagement Policy," The New York Times, February 15, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/world/middleeast/16engage.html

[78] Ibid.

[79] "U.S. Slaps New Sanctions on Iran Revolutionary Guard," Fox News, February 10, 2010, http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/10/imposes-new-sanctions-iran-revolutionary-guard/

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