All the Time Wasted on Brazil
Iranian Diplomacy / Dr. Ali Bigdeli, professor, Shahidi Univ
07-Jun-2010 (one comment)

"Brazil meticulously respects the sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council against Iran," says Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim. "If there are sanctions, even if Brazil is not in favor, we’re going to respect them." Unappealing comments, considering that many political observers anticipate a vote of abstention by Brazil, Turkey, and Lebanon against another round of sanctions against Iran. Brazil’s compliance with international laws and regulations is definitely understandable—and that is one thing this country has to observe as it aspires to become the next world power—but what is the necessity in voicing support for UNSC sanctions before they are even approved?

With the wisdom of hindsight, the Tehran Summit –and its fruit, the heavily publicized Tehran Declaration- appears to have been a hasty measure. Tehran’s initiative to gain the upper hand and dictate to the West the next step actually backfired, depriving it even from Moscow’s already suspect support. Wisdom of hindsight again: wouldn’t it be better if Ahmadinejad had abstained from criticizing the Russians when the fate of the new U.S.-backed sanctions hangs in the balance?

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Dan Huck

Some Iranians Resist Even a Little Acceptance?

by Dan Huck on Mon Jun 07, 2010 10:00 PM PDT

It seems an effort is being made to suggest a negative outcome is expected in the sanctions vote, when indications are otherwise.

This article by Dr. Ali Bigdeli appears to show a misunderstanding of terms. For example, in the 1st paragraph he quotes Brazilian FM Amorim stating, regarding previous sanctions, Brazil "meticulously respects" them, and any which might be passed, "we’re going to respect them.".

Of course, in a general sense, respect means to "have high regard for"; however, in a legal, formal setting such as a UNSC vote, especially wherein FM Amorim has stated "even if Brazil is not in favor", the meaning is much narrower - "will abide by".  In common conversation it is frequently heard "I respect your opinion" which really means, "You have a right to your opinion, but I don't share it".

He is NOT voicing support for sanctions. He IS saying Brazil is a nation which supports the rule of law, even when it is not in it's favor. Dr. Bigdeli knows this.

Similarly, Bigdeli's 'worries' regarding Russia's ostensible flightiness are unconvincing.

There is the possibility Professor Bigdeli's comment is part of a disinformation process whereby the the US, and our 'international community' of three or four nations, will be further lulled into making fools of ourselves in the Security Council by pushing ahead with sanctions without having made a clear and public "good faith" effort to openly work in the context of the Vienna Group to implement the positive elements of the Tehran Declaration.

The Dual-Track, which both Russia and China have loudly and clearly signed on to, in their public definition of it, calls specifically for looking at possible sanctions in case Iran is non-cooperative, BUT also withholding international punitive actions if Iran is cooperative.

They have clearly stated the next step should be by the Vienna Group.


Balatarin
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