Reuters reported yesterday that the G-8 could approve tougher sanctions against Iran in September if Tehran does not submit to negotiations over its nuclear program. Although Canadian spokesman, Dimitri Soudas, claimed that “All G8 Nations are united”, it appears that Russia pushed for the later September deadline instead of agreeing to immediate sanctions.
Clearly Russia’s political will has to be questioned: since voting with the other permanent members on the Security Council in favor of resolution 1747 which called on states to exercise “vigilance and restraint in the supply” of arms to Tehran, Russia continued arms sales to Iran throughout 2007-2008 even discussing the sale of anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran in 2008.
Does Russia’s foot dragging on further sanctions against Iran reflect more of the same or will Moscow take a tougher stance in September if Tehran cannot be brought to the negotiating table?
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