Obama Seeks Support From China and Russia on Iran

USA vs IRAN

American President Barack Obama on Saturday urged Russia and China to help pressure Iran over its nuclear program, in the wake of a report by the United Nations' atomic watchdog finding evidence of weapons development.

But if either country were ready to help  Obama tighten sanctions, their leaders didn't say so publicly.

In a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev,  Obama said the two leaders "reaffirmed our intention to work to shape a common res
ponse so we can move Iran to follow its international obligations when it comes to its nuclear program."

And ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao later,  Obama said he planned to discuss "efforts to jointly assure that countries like Iran are abiding by international rules and norms."

The U.S. has used the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to try to break down resistance by Russia and China to impose new sanctions on Tehran, after the International Atomic Energy Agency cited "credible" evidence Tuesday that Iran had taken steps to develop a nuclear weapon.

Medvedev only acknowledged the issue was discussed, while  Hu made no mention ahead of his bilateral talks with Obama.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday the U.S. would work with other countries to put pressure on Iran, and had discussed the issue with Chinese and other officials on the sidelines of the APEC meetings. Earlier in the week, China had rejected the idea of imposing new sanctions against Tehran, urging further dialogue.

Obama also said that with Russia on the verge of joining the World Trade Organization, the administration would work with Congress to remove Cold War-era trade restrictions. In comments to business executives attending the APEC CEO Summit, he said Russia's entry would be good for the U.S. and global economy, while providing Moscow with additional incentives to move forward on reforms.

Medvedev said following the meeting that Russia hadn't received such support for its WTO bid from previous administrations, and that joining the WTO would benefit global trade relations.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in an interview Thursday that with Russia poised to be accepted into the global trade body next month, he would push for lawmakers to restore "permanent normal trade relations" before the accession goes into effect in the following months.

In 1974, the U.S. effectively denied the Soviet Union normal trade status due to emigration restrictions through a measure called Jackson-Vanik. Those restrictions remain in place with Russia, though they have regularly been waived.

Still, revoking the measure could face resistance from both parties on the Hill, with key lawmakers on trade issues recently warning that Russia must agree to high standards before joining the WTO.