UN draft on nuclear Iran tabled

The UN Security Council is discussing a resolution introduced by Western countries that could trigger sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme.

The ambassadors of France and the US said they hoped the council would approve the resolution soon.

Despite objections from Russia and China, the draft falls under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which allows for sanctions and even military action.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful proposes only.

However, Western nations are concerned it is seeking a nuclear weapons capability.

US President George W Bush urged Iran to give up its programme.

"The Iranians must understand that we won't fold, that our partnership is strong, that for the sake of world peace, they should abandon their nuclear weapons ambitions," he said in a White House meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Ms Merkel said they both thought there was a good chance of bringing about a diplomatic solution.

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US says world safer, despite 11,000 attacks in '05

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