Iran's FM criticizes IAEA, voters against Iran

TEHRAN, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Monday criticized the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution against Iran as well as those countries who cast "unjust and discriminatory" votes against the country, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"The recent resolution issued by the IAEA against Iran has weakened the international body," Mottaki was quoted as saying.

"We hope these countries voting against Iran will review their attitude wisely," Mottaki made the remark in a press conference in Tehran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors passed a resolution during a meeting on Friday in Vienna, calling for the "full cooperation" of Iran to clarify all outstanding issues involving its nuclear program.

It was reported that the resolution contained a strong call on Tehran to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as well as all the transparency measures the IAEA needed to restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.

"We have lauded Malaysia, Cuba and Venezuela for their brave votes and will also take into consideration those which abstained in the voting," said Mottaki.

IAEA's Friday move was the first adoption of a resolution against Iran after the one adopted in February 2006. The 35-memberboard of governors of IAEA passed the resolution with 25 voting for, six abstentions, one absence while Cuba, Venezuela and Malaysia voting against.

"We cannot tolerate discrimination in international relations under any circumstances," he said, adding that "if there is a right for every country in an international treaty or convention, it should be applied to all."

Western powers suspected Iran of attempting to build nuclear weapons, but Tehran said its nuclear program was aimed at generating nuclear energy for civilian purposes.