AP sources: China now joining discussion of possible new UN sanctions against Iran
By Robert Burns, APWednesday, March 31, 2010
AP sources: China will discuss new Iran sanctions
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say China has signaled its willingness to consider specific new sanctions against Iran.
That improves prospect for passing a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at pressuring Iran to limit its nuclear program.
President Barack Obama said Tuesday he hoped to have Iran sanctions in place within weeks — a timetable that appeared ambitious given China’s reluctance to discuss sanctions.
On Wednesday, two U.S. officials said that in a phone call among officials from the five permanent members of the Security Council — plus Germany — the Chinese representative said his country was prepared to discuss specific potential sanctions.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the diplomatic talks are ongoing.
