06/10/2012 11:25
Ban Ki-Moon: Sanctions have significant effects on populations
Iran's general population is feeling the brunt of international sanctions as inflation and unemployment continue to rise and lifesaving medicines are in short supply, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in a report to the UN General Assembly, the Press Association reports.
As the source reports, protesters have taken to the streets of Tehran in recent days as the Iranian currency has plummeted, sharply driving up prices. Iran's rial has lost nearly 40% of its value against the US dollar in the past week alone.
The UN Security Council has imposed four rounds of sanctions aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear programme, which Iran maintains is peaceful. The US and European Union have also hit the Islamic Republic with sanctions.
"The sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran have had significant effects on the general population, including an escalation in inflation, a rise in commodities and energy costs, an increase in the rate of unemployment and a shortage of necessary items, including medicine," Ban said in his report.