EU summit draft calls for more Iran sanctions, oil not mentioned

Dec 9, 2011, 2:49 GMT

Brussels - A European Union summit draft leaked early Friday called for more sanctions on Tehran in response to its continuing nuclear programme, but did not raise the possibility of ceasing to buy Iranian oil.

Ministers should 'proceed with work related to extending the scope of EU restrictive measures and broadening existing sanctions by examining additional measures against Iran as a matter of priority,' the draft said.

The sanctions should be broadened 'no later' than the next meeting in January, it said.

The statement was expected to be approved at the end of the summit later Friday.

No reference was made to the possibility of an oil embargo, a measure strongly supported by France but which last week raised opposition from Greece and scepticism from Italy - two of the EU countries most dependent on Iranian oil imports.

Last week EU foreign ministers agreed to apply further travel bans and asset freezes to 37 people and 143 entities, to pressure the Iranian regime on its nuclear programme.

The draft leaked Friday also reiterated EU criticism of the repression by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and 're-emphasizes the urgent need for all members of the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities in relation to the situation in Syria.'

Russia and China have so far vetoed US and EU-backed resolutions against Syria in the UN Security Council.

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