Key countries split over Iran sanctions

South Africa8217;s UN Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo, whose country holds the rotating Security Council presidency, said Ahmadinejad had not made a formal request to address the UN8217;s most powerful body, but if he did, 8220;it would be very difficult to deny him that opportunity.8221;

Kumalo said he would 8220;be open to consulting8221; with the other council members on scheduling Ahmadinejad8217;s appearance. 8220;I would be surprised if they said they don8217;t want to hear him,8221; he said. Whether an appearance before the Security Council by Ahmadinejad would affect the contents or vote on a new UN resolution remains to be seen.

Iranian TV on Sunday quoted government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham as saying Ahmadinejad 8220;intends to attend a UN Security Council meeting to be held on Iran8217;s nuclear case in order to defend the rights of the Iranian nation in

exploiting peaceful nuclear energy.8221;

The announcement came hours before ambassadors of the six key nations met for the fifth time in a week

to discuss what additional sanctions to include in a new resolution.

After Sunday8217;s meeting at Britain8217;s UN Mission, it was clear that the key players remain divided. The US and Europe want tougher sanctions than Russia and China, which both have strong business ties with Iran, are prepared to accept.