Russia, China shouldn’t be “fooled” by U.S., UK – Prayer leader
Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—China and Russia should “stand firm” and avoid being “fooled” by efforts by the U.S. and Britain to impose further sanctions on Iran, Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani, said in his political sermon today.
By: IranVNC
Published: Friday, August 08, 2008
14:00GMT—10:00AM/EST
IRAN – CHINA – RUSSIA – NUCLEAR
Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—China and Russia should “stand firm” and avoid being “fooled” by efforts by the U.S. and Britain to impose further sanctions on Iran, Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani, said in his political sermon today.
“The 5+1 group had meetings and are seeking new sanctions, but of course there are differences among them and it is expected that China and Russia, which until now have resisted on this issue, would make further efforts and not be fooled by American and England,” Emami-Kashani said.
He added: “The world also expects China and Russia to stand firm and serious and not allow them [the U.S. and Britain] to pursue their evil goals.”
The P5+1 comprises the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany.
The U.S. and Britain announced yesterday that the six major powers will consider further United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran after it failed to provide a positive response to an incentives package that the sextet had offered that country in return for suspension of uranium enrichment.
Iran insists that its nuclear program is aimed solely at generating electricity for a growing population.
Russia and China, which have major commercial interests in Iran’s oil sector, have in the past been hesitant to impose UN sanctions on Iran.
Moscow has played down talks of more sanctions against the Islamic Republic, but China has shown little reaction to the recent developments.
But Israel’s President Shimon Peres yesterday told reporters that he planned to address the issue with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, when the two met today in Beijing.
Commenting on China’s position vis-à-vis sanctions ahead of his meeting with Hu, Peres said: “The Chinese have a more advanced position than Russia. They are not enthusiastic about sanctions but have not prevented them,” according to the Tel Aviv-based daily, Haaretz.
“Israel should not make Tehran an Israeli problem but a global problem. It is important to reach an East-West understanding regarding Iran,” he added.
Earlier this week, US President George W. Bush praised China for its efforts in dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Sources: ISNA, Haaretz
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