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IAEA Says Iran Cooperating, But Not Enough
November 23, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- The UN's nuclear watchdog is due to wrap up a meeting today to discuss its latest report on Iran's nuclear program.
Speaking at the meeting in Vienna on November 22, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Muhammad el-Baradei, said he cannot be sure Tehran has declared all of its nuclear material and activities to inspectors, despite what he says is Iran's increased openness about its past programs."Our progress over the past two months has been made possible by an increased level of cooperation on the part of Iran, in accordance with the work plan," el-Baradei said. "However, I would continue to urge Iran to be more proactive in providing information, and in accelerating the pace of this cooperation, in order for the agency to be able to clarify all major remaining outstanding issues by the end of the year."El-Baradei's statement underlined the impasse that remains between the IAEA and Tehran, despite what both sides say has been increased cooperation in recent months. The recent report of El-Baradei states that Iran has not provided necessary answers to the existing ambiguities surrounding Iran's nuclear program. But there is no evidence to prove that Iran is trying to achieve weapons of mass destruction. The report notes that while Iran has been candid about its early procurement of material and equipment for enriching uranium, it still allows inspectors access only to sites they already know about.
Following El-baradei's report on Iran's nuclear program, Solana should report to the UN Security council at the end of the November on Iran's cooperation with IAEA. The two reports would be used as the basis for decision on Iran's nuclear program by Security Council's five permanent members and Germany. Russia and China may support Iran's nuclear programs and try to postpone a third sanctions debate.
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