Iran urged to do more

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-11-2007 10:08

The UN nuclear watchdog chief says Tehran must do more than come up with a limited plan for atomic transparency in order to remove suspicions about its nuclear intentions. Mohamed ElBaradei made the comment at the opening session of the IAEA's 35-nation governing board meeting in Vienna.

Last month Iran pledged to answer outstanding questions about its controversial nuclear program a move considered by some western countries, including the US, as a tactic to delay UN sanctions.

IAEA chief, Mohamed ElBaradei defended the deal reached between the IAEA and Iran saying the provision for Iran to clarify questions one by one according to a timeline which will run to December is an important step in the right direction.

Focusing on Western grievances, ElBaradei also stressed it is "indispensable" Iran permit wider-ranging inspections, targeting sites not declared to be nuclear, and suspend uranium enrichment activities as mandated by the IAEA Board and UN Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, the US has urged Iran to do more.

Chief US delegate to IAEA, Gregory L. Schulte said, " And I think that the board will also recognize the fact the work by itself is not sufficient. Iran has to do more than answer historical questions. It also has to suspend activities of concern and also give full access to current activities."

Meanwhile, Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani says it is impossible for Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment which Iran repeatedly claims will only be used for peaceful means such as generating electricity.