Britain disappointed with Iran's attitude on nuclear issue: ambassador

VIENNA, Nov. 25, (Xinhua) -- British Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Simon Smith Wednesday criticized Iran for its discredit on the nuclear issue.

Smith said his country is disappointed with Iran's failure to make a "clear response" to the issue of sending its low-enriched uranium (LEU) abroad for further purification so far.

The ambassador said Iran's agreement of further purification would help the international community to rebuild confidence in its nuclear program, or it would cause "greater suspicion."

Smith told reporters that the international community believes that Iran has to ship its major stock of LEU abroad for processing in exchange for genuine trust. But if the LEU shipment is too small, "we think it is meaningless," he added.

He said the international community would be willing to discuss with Iran about issues such as the timing of the transportation.

Asked about a possible breakdown of Iranian nuclear consultations, Smith said: "No one has said that our patience is exhausted. We are ready to negotiate."

Smith also expressed understanding about Iran's concerns on whether its LEU shipped to foreign countries for purification could be back.

To help solve the Iranian nuclear dispute and clear up some countries concerns about Iranian nuclear weapons, IAEA earlier suggested that Iran ship its majority LEU to foreign countries for processing into a highly enriched uranium, and then ship back to Iran as the nuclear fuel of its research reactors.