Russia Still Opposed to Sanctions on Iran

[cal04]

Russia said it remains opposed to sanctions against Iran, while China expressed hope for a negotiated solution as senior diplomats from six countries converged in Moscow on Tuesday to map out the next step toward solving the Iranian nuclear standoff. The United States and Britain say that if Iran does not comply with the U.N. Security Council's April 28 deadline to stop uranium enrichment, they will seek a resolution that would make the demand compulsory.

So far, Iran has refused to give up uranium enrichment, which the United States and some of its allies suspect is meant to produce weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remained defiant Tuesday, warning that Iran will "cut the hand of any aggressor" that threatens it and insisting that Iran's military has to be equipped with the most modern technology.

"Iran's enemies know your courage, faith and commitment to Islam and the land of Iran has created a powerful army that can powerfully defend the political borders," he told a parade to commemorate Iran's Army Day. Tuesday's army parade in Iran gave leaders another opportunity to show off the country's modern military equipment, including missiles that are difficult to track with radar, super-fast torpedoes recently tested in war games and other domestically produced weapons.

The United States has said Iran may have made "some strides" in its military but was likely exaggerating its
capabilities. Senior diplomats from the five permanent Security Council members that wield veto power — Russia, the United States, France, Britain and China — plus Germany will meet over dinner Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the latest moves in the standoff. Discussions were expected to continue Wednesday during a meeting of envoys from the Group of Eight major industrialized nations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin reaffirmed Moscow's insistence on more diplomatic efforts with Iran. "We are convinced that neither sanctions nor the use of force will lead to the solution of the problem," he said, according to the ITAR-Tass news agency.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iran_nuclear

[William769]

1. It's a peace accord held over from the Soviet era.

[The Stranger]

2. Maybe Russia can prevent those who have hijacked the U.S. government

from further destroying humanity and the planet.

[cliss]

3. "Made some strides, but was

likely exaggerating its capabilities".

This coming from a country that is so short-handed, we cannot invade that country. A country that is technically bankrupt.

[Supersedeas]

4. Does Dr. Rice get results or what?