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Russia critical of EU sanctions against Iran
Published: 27 July, 2010, 15:16
Edited: 28 July, 2010, 17:37
TAGS: Nuclear, Scandal, EU, Russia, Iran
Russia's foreign ministry has condemned the latest EU measures against Tehran as unacceptable, claiming they fall outside the scope of the latest UN restrictions.
Moscow says such unilateral actions undermine collective efforts to find a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
The measures include a ban on the sale of equipment and technology.
Iran has long been suspected of trying to develop nuclear weapons, which it continues to deny.
The new measures come into force in the next few weeks – and coincide with Canada's decision also to impose restrictions.
But Elena Dunaeva from the Institute of Eastern Studies believes these additional sanctions have more to do with scoring points with the US.
“Adopting new sanctions against Tehran – in addition to the package approved by the UN Security Council – is more of a political gesture on behalf of the EU and Canada,” Dunaeva told RT. “And it's aimed at Washington. It's important to say that the latest UN sanctions are harsher and more comprehensive than the previous rounds. And if they're fully implemented, they're likely to have the desired effect. It's worth saying here that foreign companies, including European firms, frequently find ways and loopholes to bypass restrictions and channel investment and technologies to Iran. Therefore, our overwhelming goal is to make sure that all UN member states adhere to its decisions.”
Journalist Elena Suponina from Vremya Novostey newspaper believes that such sanctions can only worsen the situation.
“Russia has been warning against unilateral moves, as these can only further alienate Iran and make the return to international talks over its nuclear program even more problematic,” Suponina told RT. “There have been sanctions in place against Iran since 1979 – people there are used to this and don't feel affected.”
“The only thing the latest sanctions can bring is even deeper distrust between Iran and the global community,” she added.
Watch full video with Elena Suponina
According to Michael Thomas, the director general for the Middle East Association, new sanctions will seriously affect Iran’s trade partners, therefore it is vital to continue the talks.”I think it will have some effect, but whether or not it will have an effect on Iran – I do not know,” he said. “Now UK trade with Iran is something like about two to three million pounds a year. It was, about five years ago, around 450 million in spite of all the problems we have had.”
”Those companies involved with Iran are going to be suffering. So, it is not only the Iranians, if they are going to suffer, but certainly British companies are going to suffer, which is why I am really keen to get these talks going,” Thomas added.
27.07.2010, 15:03
6 comments
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Not critical enough. Russia has been acting like a fawning puppet of the west lately, even as they station missiles on its border.
Well, Mr. Lavrov, you should have thought about that before. It is YOUR country that voted in favor of the sanctions. With your experience, you should have known that United States is not to be trusted. You should also know by now that the European bloc has become the puppets of the US. I understand that Russia is looking for business in Europe but the Europeans also should not be trusted. When time comes, Russia will be invaded also to stop its growth. What will Russia do against NATO troups and American troups? It is time for Vladimir Putin to make a come back and give Russia its pride.
While no one can fault Russian leadership for putting Russia's interests ahead of all other considerations, their recent actions have damaged Russia's image worldwide. Failing to deliver on their contract with Iran to deliver the S-300 air defense systems makes Russia an unreliable trading partner and a stooge to American interests. No doubt Iran should reconsider their trade relationships with Russia and find more reliable partners to build nuclear reactors and to support their arms needs. Russia apparently desperate to be accepted to the WTO and looking for investment from a bankrupt America betrays allies and trading partners with apparent impunity. Expectations of integrity in foreign relations with regards to world powers is naive in the extreme. To be accepted by the Americans, is to accept their domination of the world. The hopes of the world that Russia could serve as a counterweight to American hegemony is fading rapidly. Tactical concessions may be expedient now, but in the future Russia will find few friends, and like the Americans have to pay to have any allies. The Russians faced the embarrassing 'spy' scandal shortly after offering concessions. Elements in the US leadership are actively anti-Russian and will always remain so. Looking foolish on the world stage is only the tip of the iceberg of consequences for Russia. The loss of respect will have long range and damaging consequences for Russia. The countries of Latin America, worried about US moves in Columbia (air bases to patrol the empire) will look to other countries for trade and arms support. No doubt China will be happy to profit from the new business. Russia will continue to be surrounded by NATO and American assets, while it supports US aggression in international forums. Better to have patriots in power than crooks. Patriots are always concern with long term consequences and interests. Crooks always seek immediate, instant gratification. Crooks always gravitate to other crooks.