Iran to UNSC

NY Times:

The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency voted here on Saturday to report Iran's nuclear case to the United Nations Security Council, a move that could change the course of international diplomacy toward Iran and open the door to international punishment of the country.

Mohamed ElBaradei, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, oversaw the resolution's creation.

The resolution, which passed by a vote of 27 to 3 with five abstentions, reflects increasing suspicion around the world that Iran is determined to develop nuclear weapons.

Cuba, Syria and Venezuela voted against the resolution, which would also delay any concrete Security Council action against Iran for at least a month. Algeria, Belarus, Indonesia, Libya and South Africa abstained.

Belarus has basically degenerated into a mob-run state, Indonesia, Algeria and Libya have large Muslim populations. The only surprise in the list of voting abstention is South Africa. What is their bone to pick?

Let's hope the Security Council shows up on time to draft their harshy worded memo threatening more harshly worded memos.

United Nations Posted by AlexC at February 4, 2006 1:55 PM