UN-Iran-NIE /POL/
US intelligence on Iran's nuclear program should spur talks, says
UN official
TEHRAN, Dec 5, IRNA -- A recently-released United States intelligence
report concluding that there has been no ongoing nuclear weapons
programme in Iran since the fall of 2003 tallies with the findings of
the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA), its
Director-General said Tuesday in Vienna, calling for all parties
concerned to enter into negotiations.
Mohamed ElBaradei said in a statement that the National
Intelligence Estimate "should help to defuse the current crisis,"
the UN Information Center said in a press release Wednesday.
Iran "still needs to clarify some important aspects of its past
and present nuclear activities," he said.
The intelligence should also "prompt Iran to work actively with
the IAEA to clarify specific aspects of its past and present nuclear
program as outlined in the work. This would allow the Agency to
provide the required assurances regarding the nature of the program."
Iranian authorities have stated that their nuclear program is
for peaceful purposes, but other countries contend that it is driven
by military ambitions.
The country's nuclear program has been a matter of international
concern since the discovery in 2003 that it had concealed its nuclear
activities for 18 years in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In light of the new Estimate, Mr. ElBaradei urged all parties - as
soon as possible - to enter into negotiations, "which are needed to
build confidence about the future direction of Iran's nuclear
program" and address the concerns repeatedly expressed by the Security
Council.
Talks are also necessary to generate a "comprehensive and durable
solution that would normalize the relationship between Iran and the
international community," he said.
Last December, the Security Council adopted a resolution banning
trade with Iran in all items, materials, equipment, goods and
technology which could contribute to the country's enrichment-related,
reprocessing or heavy water-related activities, or to the development
of nuclear weapon delivery systems. It tightened the measures in
March, banning arms sales and expanding the freeze on assets.
This September, Mr. ElBaradei welcomed Iran's agreement on a
timeline to address all outstanding issues regarding the country's
nuclear program.
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::IRNA No.041 05/12/2007 15:23 --End
