No 'automatic' sanctions against Iran: Russia

MOSCOW: A UN Security Council demand that Iran suspend uranium enrichment does not carry the "automatic" threat of sanctions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said on Tuesday.        

"There is no automatic system, but the Security Council could examine further steps to persuade Iran to carry out the recommendations of the IAEA," Kislyak was quoted by Interfax as saying.          

"Of course, no one is going to look at any use of force," he added.           

Kislyak said the resolution adopted Monday by the UN Security Council was "balanced and gives every opportunity for continuing the process of negotiations".    

"We are interested in a political resolution of the problem," he said.          

The UN Security Council has ordered Iran to halt its nuclear activities by August 31 or face the threat of sanctions.          

The text of the resolution expressed "serious concern" at Iran's refusal to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) orders to halt uranium enrichment and other work that could help build a nuclear bomb. No immediate sanctions were set out. But IAEA director Mohammed ElBaradei will have to give a report on Iran's action by August 31.              

If Iran does not suspend its nuclear work, the council would consider adopting "appropriate measures" under Article 41 of Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which could be economic and political sanctions.