Brazilian FM in Iran for talks

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim is in Tehran for talks with senior Iranian officials on a range of issues, including Iran's nuclear program.

During his two-day visit, Amorim plans to meet ranking Iranian officials, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his opposite number Manouchehr Mottaki.

The Brazilian minister's visit paves the way for a May 16-17 trip by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to Tehran.

As a firm defender of Tehran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, Amorim has dismissed US claims over Iran's nuclear program, reiterating that he did not believe Iran is close to building a 'nuclear bomb'; a charge incessantly leveled against Tehran by Washington and its allies.

He, however, remained silent on whether Brazil plans to vote in favor of or against fresh UN sanctions against Tehran.

The United States, Britain and France are hoping to persuade member-states of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to adopt more punitive measures against Tehran.

For the resolution to pass, the measure requires the affirmative vote of at least nine members, especially that of veto-wielding permanent members; the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.

Of the five permanent UNSC members, Russia and China have also declined to comment on their position, while stressing the need for diplomacy to resolve the issue.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=124478§ionid=351020101.