|
Iran 'shows fear of sanctions'
21/01/2007 22:07 - (SA)
Paris - A confidential Iranian government
report has highlighted the damaging effects of wide-ranging
sanctions against the country if Iran continues its nuclear
programme, French newspaper Le Monde reported on its website.
Le Monde said it had obtained a copy of the report, which is
more than 100 pages long and was spearheaded by Iran's foreign
affairs and defence ministry.
Le Monde said the report recommended "making as much
political effort as possible to avoid receiving sanctions, while
maintaining the country's national interests and honour".
It said the report had been given to Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but the government wanted to keep it low
profile.
Iran has been pushing ahead with its nuclear development
programme saying it is designed to meet the country's
electricity needs. 60-day deadline
Western powers, led by the United States, fear
Iran may be secretly developing nuclear weapons.
On December 23, the United Nations security council passed a
resolution against Iran, calling for the country to halt uranium
enrichment within 60 days.
The resolution bans the transfer of sensitive nuclear
materials and know-how to Iran and freezes the financial assets
of those associated with Tehran's nuclear programme.
The security council could impose harsher sanctions if Iran
fails to comply.
Le Monde said the Iranian government report showed that
sanctions could cost the oil-rich state between $1.5-$2bn in lost revenues a year.
The report also stressed the importance of sending an
optimistic message to the Iranian people about Iran's ability to
withstand sanctions, but highlighted how tough sanctions could
destabilise the entire country.
"Iran would be forced to change its national priorities, and
to use most of its resources to prevent any major social unrest,
which could lead to a deterioration in the living conditions of
a major part of the population," it said, according to Le Monde.
- Reuters
|
News
.jpg)
