Melbourne: Australian Government has expanded
sanctions against Iran in response to its continued non-compliance with UN Security Council resolution on its nuclear programme.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement yesterday
that the measures will target people and companies involved in Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes and will restrict Australia's business with Iran's petroleum and financial sectors.
Rudd said the new measures have been taken following the attacks on the British Embassy in Tehran on
November 29 as well as the recent International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) report reinforcing concerns about Iran's nuclear
activities, Australian Associated Press reported.’
The extra sanctions, targeting additional entities and
individuals over their involvement in Iran's ballistic missile
and nuclear programs, underlined Australia's mounting concern,
he said.
"The measures will also further restrict business with
Iran's petroleum and financial sectors," he said adding "Iran
must take steps required by the UNSC and the IAEA, and engage
constructively with the international community on its nuclear
programme."
Rudd said Australia's latest move was consistent with
measures recently taken by the United States, the European
Union and a number of other countries.
"Australia is committed to a negotiated solution of
the Iran nuclear issue," he said.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, December 06, 2011, 11:20