UN demands explanation from Iran and Syria on arms ship

Iran and Syria have until next week to explain to a United Nations sanctions committee how they were involved with a ship detained off Cyprus found to be loaded with explosives believed to be bound for Gaza.

The ambassadors of France and Britain described the episode at a Security Council meeting held Tuesday in New York as a "gross violation" of existing resolutions banning Iranian arms exports.

Both countries are required to respond within ten working days, according to a statement from Japanese ambassador Yukio Takasu, who chairs the Security Council committee set up in 2006 to oversee Iran sanctions.

The committee determined February 6 that Iran was in violation of existing sanctions but has not taken any punitive action.

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