Russia, China agree to refer Iran to UN
(bloomberg.com)
Updated: 2006-02-01 10:04

Russian Proposal

In an attempt to break the deadlock, Russia has offered to allow Iran to enrich uranium in Russia. Iran, while not rejected the proposal request, is insisting it has the ``right'' to carry out enrichment on its own soil as well.

Iran, site of the world's second-largest natural gas reserves, said Jan. 9 it resumed nuclear fuel-cycle research. That triggered calls on Jan. 12 from France, Germany, Britain and the U.S. to refer Iran's nuclear program to the UN.

The ministers in their joint statement ``called on Iran to restore the full suspension of enrichment-related activity'' including research and development ``under the supervision of the IAEA.''

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pressed for referral at the special Feb. 2 IAEA meeting. A senior U.S. official said British Foreign Minister Jack Straw mediated most of the dinner discussion, which often focused on technical aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.

A spokesman for U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair said the statement showed a united stand by the group, including Russia and China.