Russian envoy praises U.N. Iran draft

Boston.com: UNITED NATIONS --"Russia's U.N. ambassador praised a Security Council draft resolution on Iran's nuclear program, saying his country's concerns had been taken into account as negotiators met behind closed doors Monday to discuss the text.

U.N. diplomats said negotiators wanted to move swiftly on the draft, which would impose sanctions against Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment and urge it to negotiate over its nuclear program. They said they anticipate a Security Council vote before the end of the year.

The draft resolution, which was circulated to Security Council members Friday, has been reworked to try to satisfy changes sought by Russia -- an Iranian ally and a veto-wielding member of the Security Council.

The new draft specifies in greater detail exactly what materials and technology would be prohibited from being supplied to Iran for possible use in its nuclear and missile programs. The Russians and Chinese had previously complained that proposed sanctions were too broad." Read more.