Iran downplays effects of U.N. sanctions

TEHRAN, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- An Iranian government spokesman in Tehran dismissed the effectiveness of U.N. sanctions discussed in Berlin Tuesday by representatives of six countries.

"Adoption of a possible new resolution will not have any effect on our people," said spokesman Gholamhossein Elham of Iran's disputed nuclear program. "The Iranian nation is striding on the path toward fulfilling its goals within the framework of its legal rights.

He made the remarks before German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier hosted a meeting of his counterparts from the five permanent members of the Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- to discuss further sanctions for Tehran's atomic program, the Alalam Satellite TV network reported.

The Iranian government says it is in compliance with the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency, and maintains the Security Council has no place in nuclear oversight, the report said.

Elham said any further sanctions or demands would "weaken the credibility of this international body and the International Atomic Energy Organization."