The new resolution, which seeks to impose further sanctions on Iran over its failure to suspend uranium enrichment, has been prepared by the Iran-Six, comprising Germany and the five permanent Security Council members, the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.
Dumisani Kumalo told a news conference that the draft document will be presented at 11.00 a.m. New York time (04.00 p.m. GMT) and voting on the new resolution could be held as early as the middle of next week.
Since Iran resumed uranium enrichment in January 2006, the country has been the focus of international concerns, as some Western countries, particularly the United States, suspect Tehran is pursuing a covert weapons program. But Tehran has consistently claimed it needs nuclear development for civilian power generation.
The UN Security Council already adopted a resolution imposing sanctions against Iran in December last year banning activities involving uranium enrichment, chemical reprocessing, heavy water-based projects, and the production of nuclear weapons delivery systems.
The new document is expected to include an embargo on Iranian arms exports and an asset freeze on more individuals and companies associated with Tehran's nuclear and missile programs, as well as an appeal to all countries to exercise vigilance and restraint regarding the entry or transit through their territory of Iranians on the U.N. list, on the supply of weapons to Iran, and the granting of export credit guarantees.
But Kumalo said that the draft is likely to undergo certain changes during discussions by the 10 non-permanent Security Council members that might have additional concerns.
Meanwhile, the Iranian president said Thursday that UN resolutions against the Islamic Republic were not legitimate.
"Today, the enemies of the Iranian people are trying to use the UN Security Council as an instrument to hinder progress and development in Iran," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said. "But for global states the Security Council does not represent legitimate power at present."
"What are you trying to stop?" he said. "Even if you mobilize your efforts, you will never prevent the progress of the Iranian people."
He reiterated that Iran was not afraid of economic or any other sanctions and will pursue its legitimate nuclear research for peaceful purposes.
"Iran already possesses full nuclear fuel cycle technologies," Ahmadinejad said. "You may impose economic sanctions today, but wait until you see what we can achieve in the future."
