WASHINGTON - Iran's airlines and ships could be denied landing and transit rights and two more of its banks could have their assets frozen under informal proposals by Britain for a new UN sanctions resolution.
The confidential draft, obtained by Reuters today, is aimed at ratcheting up pressure
on Iran for defying UN Security Council demands that it cease uranium enrichment.
US and European officials insisted the proposals under discussion were not intended to affect the oil markets, where Iran is a major producer and exporter.
"It's not about oil," one European diplomat said.
Britain has also suggested banning new arms contracts with Iran, international travel for senior Iranian security officials and continued Russian work on Iran's nuclear power reactor at Bushehr, according to the June 14 draft.
Britain, the United States and other major powers have begun preliminary discussions about a third UN resolution tightening sanctions on Iran but formal negotiations are awaiting the conclusion of talks on Saturday between Iran and the European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana.
Initial proposals almost always reflect tough positions that are often re-written in the Security Council negotiating process.
- REUTERS
