IRAN: CABINET WITHDRAWS DEPOSITS FROM SWISS BANKS
Tehran, 4 April (AKI) - The Iranian government is reported to have withdrawn its financial deposits from Swiss banks after the decision by the UN atomic watchdog to refer Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council over Western fears that Tehran is trying to build nuclear weapons. Anonymous sources say that in the past few weeks, Iran has withdrawn 700 tonnes in gold reserves and 26 billion euros.
The gold reserves were transferred to the Markazi bank, the central bank of the Islamic Republic, while the cash was deposited in banks in the United Arab Emirates.
Tehran decided to withdraw the deposits fearing that the UN Security Council might impose an international embargo on the country.
Iran has rejected a Security Council statement approved on 29 March which called on Tehran to halt all its uranium enrichment activities, claiming its nuclear programme is solely for civilian use. The Council has the power to impose sanctions, though two veto-wielding members of the UN body - China and Russia - oppose the measure.
The gold reserves were transferred to the Markazi bank, the central bank of the Islamic Republic, while the cash was deposited in banks in the United Arab Emirates.
Tehran decided to withdraw the deposits fearing that the UN Security Council might impose an international embargo on the country.
Iran has rejected a Security Council statement approved on 29 March which called on Tehran to halt all its uranium enrichment activities, claiming its nuclear programme is solely for civilian use. The Council has the power to impose sanctions, though two veto-wielding members of the UN body - China and Russia - oppose the measure.
posted by Marko at 4/04/2006 10:43:00 AM
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