- Title: AUSTRIA: Dispute between Iran and IAEA over inspectors deepens
- Date: 16th September 2010
- Summary: VIENNA, AUSTRIA (SEPTEMBER 15, 2010) (REUTERS) DELEGATES WALKING OUT OF IAEA BUILDING SIGN AT ENTRANCE READING "INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY" IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO IAEA, ALI ASGHAR SOLTANIEH, TALKING TO TWO DELEGATES IN CORRIDOR CLOSE VIEW OF SOLTANIEH'S FACE SOUNDBITE (English) IRAN'S AMBASSADOR TO IAEA ALI ASGHAR SOLTANIEH SAYING: "Neither Agency (IAEA) supported by the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council nor Mr. Amano is under auspices or direction of Mr. Ban Ki Moon. He (Amano) is the Director General of an international organisation which is an independent organisation. We will not permit at any price that Security Council dictates what IAEA to do, how to do it and when to do it. And I am sure that over hundred countries will support this matter in the NAM (non-aligned Movement) and therefore we are going to put the Agency (IAEA) in the right track. It is very hard, of course, Iran is paying the price, it is hard time for us, we are facing sanctions, but we are proud that we are reflecting a part of golden history for those who resist and do not permit to be surrendered to the pressure." MEDIA SOUNDBITE (English) IRAN'S AMBASSADOR TO IAEA ALI ASGHAR SOLTANIEH SAYING : "According to comprehensive safeguard agreement INFCIRC 214, Iran -- and every other country according to the model agreement 153 -- has the right to accept an inspector from a different nationality, whoever they are, or withdraw the designation. And it is clearly mentioned that there is no requirement for giving the explanation. I have never said that this is a retaliation. But in order to be transparent, I said that in a meeting with the Director General and the department of safeguards -- we said that these two inspectors have made a mistake. Either you have to correct this mistake in your report as an addendum or we have no other choice than not to let them come in any more. It is very simple." SOLTANIEH WALKING LEAVING PODIUM, SAYING: 'All the best to you' (English)
- Embargoed: 1st October 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Austria
- Country: Austria
- Reuters ID: LVAEM6ED1AL1ICO1AL1VS10GYNDR
- Story Text: Western powers accused Iran on Wednesday (September 15) of trying to intimidate the U.N. atomic agency by barring some nuclear inspectors, and the United States warned the Islamic state of possible diplomatic consequences.
Iran's envoy to the IAEA told reporters in Vienna it was within his country's rights to refuse inspectors under its non-proliferation accord with the U.N. body.
"According to comprehensive safeguard agreement INFCIRC 214, Iran -- and every other country according to the model agreement 153 -- has the right to accept an inspector from a different nationality, whoever they are, or withdraw the designation. And it is clearly mentioned that there is no requirement for giving the explanation", Ali Asghar Soltanieh said.
He also accused the IAEA's chief, Yukiya Amano, of issuing politicised reports and being under the influence of the Security Council.
"Neither Agency (IAEA) supported by the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council nor Mr. Amano is under auspices or direction of Mr. Ban Ki Moon. He (Amano) is the Director General of an international organisation which is an independent organisation. We will not permit at any price that Security Council dictates IAEA what to do, how to do it and when to do it. And I am sure that over hundred countries will support this matter in the NAM (non-aligned Movement) and therefore we are going to put the Agency (IAEA) in the right track," Soltanieh said.
In comments that angered Tehran, Amano told the board earlier this week that Iran's refusal to admit some experienced inspectors was hampering the agency's work.
Relations between Iran and the IAEA have deteriorated since Amano took over from Mohamed Elbaradei in December.
The Japanese diplomat has taken a sharper approach on Iran than his predecessor, saying in reports that the Islamic state could be trying to develop a nuclear-armed missile now -- instead of only at some point in the past.
Amano's latest report to the board showed Iran was pushing ahead with its nuclear work despite tougher sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the United States and the European Union. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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