Iran issue: UNSC inches towards resolution

NYT has reported that US was prepared to invoke only Article 41 of the chapter, and not the entire chapter.

The five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council appear to be inching towards a tough resolution seeking an end to Iran's uranium enrichment programme with the Bush administration signalling that it was prepared for a major compromise.

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Russia and China have so far opposed attempts by Washington to make the 15-member Council adopt resolution containing threats under chapter seven of the charter which allows enforcement of the decision.

But The New York Times has reported that Washington was prepared to invoke only Article 41 of the chapter, and not the entire chapter. The article does not make any reference to use of force.

When the United States attacked Iraq, it had sought to justify the action by arguing that the chapter seven resolution authorised it to take action. Fearing replay of the scenario in case of Iran, Russia has expressed its vehement opposition.