Iran rebuked over nuclear cover-up

Fri Nov 27 2009 10:43:25

The UN nuclear watchdog's governing body has voted to censure Iran for developing a uranium enrichment site in secret and demanded it freeze the project immediately.

The resolution, passed by a 25-three margin with six abstentions, was the first by the 35-nation governing board in almost four years.

With rare Russian and Chinese backing, it sent a message of international exasperation with Iran's nuclear secrecy.

However, it was unclear whether the move, sponsored by six world powers, would translate into crucial Russian-Chinese support for sanctions.

It is widely believed that Western leaders may push for sanctions if Iran does not begin to dispel suspicions about its nuclear ambitions soon.

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