Russian veto will be key

Ian Traynor
Saturday February 3, 2007
The Guardian

Yesterday’s unveiling of the Kosovo independence plan sets the scene
for months of diplomatic clashes at the United Nations between Russia
and the west.

Two of the hottest issues on the agenda – Kosovo’s status and Iran’s
suspect nuclear programme – will land on the desks of the security
council simultaneously at the end of the month.

Russia is digging in its heels on both disputes, threatening to veto
resolutions needed to kickstart Kosovo independence and step up
pressure on Iran through tougher sanctions because Tehran refuses to
stop enriching uranium. The Americans, say European officials, are
increasingly exasperated by Moscow’s stalling tactics and may seek to
bypass the UN on both issues if Russia refuses to yield.

It remains to be seen whether President Vladimir Putin’s support for
Serbia’s stance on Kosovo’s independence is tactical or
substantive. European officials say they are not sure how Russia will
behave if and when the Kosovo plan is put to the vote in New York.
Russia stalled the adoption of a weak sanctions resolution against
Iran for months before it was adopted two days before Christmas. It is
certain to be even more strongly opposed to the tougher action the US
wants when the dispute returns to the security council in the last
week of this month, about the same time that Martti Ahtisaari takes
the Kosovo case to New York.