Japan supports referring Iran to UN Security Council

AFP: Japan on Friday joined European powers and the United States in calls to bring Iran before the UN Security Council to stop its nuclear development, but it voiced caution about economic sanctions.
TOKYO, Jan 13, 2006 (AFP) – Japan on Friday joined European powers and the United States in calls to bring Iran before the UN Security Council to stop its nuclear development, but it voiced caution about economic sanctions.

“Unless Iran changes its current stance, there would be no other choice than to refer this to the Security Council,” Foreign Minister Taro Aso told reporters.

But Aso noted “further diplomatic efforts are needed” to solve the issue.

“Referring to the Security Council does not mean immediate sanctions,” he added.

Japan, which is almost entirely dependent on imported energy to fuel its massive economy, has forged close commercial links with Iran despite concern by the United States, Tokyo’s main ally.

Iran this week said it was ending a suspension on nuclear research in place since 2003, and on Friday threatened to end cooperation with the international community if the measures is referred to the Security Council.

The three European powers Thursday called for an emergency meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, to refer Iran to the Security Council, an idea supported by Washington.