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02/11/2004
Iran urged to suspend nuclear activities
The UN nuclear watchdog agency has called on Iran to suspend activities related to uranium enrichment and reprocessing.
Describing the agency's recent work in Iran and Libya as marked by "disturbing lessons", the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hinted at the possibility of the existence of an "extensive illicit market" for the supply of nuclear items, which, he said, "clearly thrived on demand".
In his annual report to the UN general assembly, Mohammed ElBaradei, IAEA chief, said he had urged Iran to pursue a policy of "maximum transparency" so that the outstanding issues could be resolved.
"This is clearly in the interest of both Iran and the international community," he added.
Noting that technical barriers to accessibility of nuclear technology have eroded overtime, Mr ElBaradei stressed the need to find "better ways and means" to control the production of enriched uranium and the reprocessing of plutonium.
Reporting to the assembly on the question of nuclear capabilities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), he described the situation as "a serious challenge", while hoping that the six-party talks would lead the country to re-endorse the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In his assessment of Libya's decision to roll back its nuclear weapons programme, the IAEA chief said it appeared to be "consistent with the information available", but added further investigation were still needed.
On the question of Iraq, Mr ElBaradei said he hoped the Security Council would soon provide guidance on its mandate.
"It is clearly important to bring the whole question of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to closure as soon as possible," he told the assembly.
Mr ElBaradei said he intended to organise a forum early next year to explore the possibility of establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East, hoping that such a move could strengthen efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement in the region.
(gmcg/sp)
Describing the agency's recent work in Iran and Libya as marked by "disturbing lessons", the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hinted at the possibility of the existence of an "extensive illicit market" for the supply of nuclear items, which, he said, "clearly thrived on demand".
In his annual report to the UN general assembly, Mohammed ElBaradei, IAEA chief, said he had urged Iran to pursue a policy of "maximum transparency" so that the outstanding issues could be resolved.
"This is clearly in the interest of both Iran and the international community," he added.
Noting that technical barriers to accessibility of nuclear technology have eroded overtime, Mr ElBaradei stressed the need to find "better ways and means" to control the production of enriched uranium and the reprocessing of plutonium.
Reporting to the assembly on the question of nuclear capabilities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), he described the situation as "a serious challenge", while hoping that the six-party talks would lead the country to re-endorse the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In his assessment of Libya's decision to roll back its nuclear weapons programme, the IAEA chief said it appeared to be "consistent with the information available", but added further investigation were still needed.
On the question of Iraq, Mr ElBaradei said he hoped the Security Council would soon provide guidance on its mandate.
"It is clearly important to bring the whole question of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to closure as soon as possible," he told the assembly.
Mr ElBaradei said he intended to organise a forum early next year to explore the possibility of establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East, hoping that such a move could strengthen efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement in the region.
(gmcg/sp)
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17 October 2003
Iran promises 'accelerated' cooperation with nuclear inspectors
Iran has told the United Nations nuclear watchdog that it will "accelerate" its cooperation on nuclear issues. In a dispatch from its Vienna headquarters, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that its Director-General, Mohamed ElBaradei, met in Tehran with Hassan Rohani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Iran promises 'accelerated' cooperation with nuclear inspectors
Iran has told the United Nations nuclear watchdog that it will "accelerate" its cooperation on nuclear issues. In a dispatch from its Vienna headquarters, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that its Director-General, Mohamed ElBaradei, met in Tehran with Hassan Rohani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
11 November 2003
Iran agrees to IAEA demands on nuclear inspections
Iran has acceded to demands by the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency to allow on-the-spot inspections and to suspend all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities following concerns over its possible development of nuclear weapons.
Iran agrees to IAEA demands on nuclear inspections
Iran has acceded to demands by the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency to allow on-the-spot inspections and to suspend all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities following concerns over its possible development of nuclear weapons.
15 June 2004
UN nuclear watchdog chief demands 'transparency' from Iran
Iran must be “proactive and fully transparent” in declaring its nuclear activities, and should do so within the next few months to "allay suspicions about its programme", the head of the UN atomic watchdog agency said yesterday.
UN nuclear watchdog chief demands 'transparency' from Iran
Iran must be “proactive and fully transparent” in declaring its nuclear activities, and should do so within the next few months to "allay suspicions about its programme", the head of the UN atomic watchdog agency said yesterday.
08 March 2004
UN atomic watchdog voices 'concern' over Iran's disclosure gaps
The UN's atomic watchdog agency has today voiced "serious concern" over gaps in Tehran’s declaration of nuclear activities and called on it to take the “vital” initiative to provide all relevant information "fully and promptly" in the coming months.
UN atomic watchdog voices 'concern' over Iran's disclosure gaps
The UN's atomic watchdog agency has today voiced "serious concern" over gaps in Tehran’s declaration of nuclear activities and called on it to take the “vital” initiative to provide all relevant information "fully and promptly" in the coming months.
19 December 2003
Iran agrees to on-the-spot inspections of nuclear facilities
Iran has signed an agreement with the United Nations nuclear watchdog agreeing to allow "enhanced, unannounced and on-the-spot inspections" of its atomic facilities.
Iran agrees to on-the-spot inspections of nuclear facilities
Iran has signed an agreement with the United Nations nuclear watchdog agreeing to allow "enhanced, unannounced and on-the-spot inspections" of its atomic facilities.
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