Germany’s Merkel welcomes Iran sanctions

AFP: German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the United Nations resolution on sanctions against Iran adopted on Saturday for its refusal to give up sensitive nuclear work, judging it a “significant step”. BERLIN, Dec 23, 2006 (AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the United Nations resolution on sanctions against Iran adopted on Saturday for its refusal to give up sensitive nuclear work, judging it a “significant step”.

The resolution adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council is “a significant step and a significant signal, since Iran has not followed through on its obligations and commitments to the international community”, a spokesman for Merkel quoted her as saying.

The resolution applies the first-ever UN sanctions on Iran, targeting its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in response to the country’s refusal to halt sensitive nuclear fuel work.

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful ends but other powers suspect it of seeking to develop material for a nuclear weapon.

Merkel said the council’s unanimous backing for the resolution showed that “the international community continues to be united with regard to Iran in solving the conflict over its nuclear (program)”.