International Atomic Energy Agency Holds Meeting on Iran's Nuclear Activities - 2003-06-16

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), affiliated with the United Nations, held a meeting today at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, to review a report indicating that the Islamic Republic has not complied with the international treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Mr. ElBaradei specifically urged Iran to sign another agreement with the IAEA and to provide greater access for international inspectors to Iran's nuclear facilities, allowing them to conduct more inspections in the country. Iranian officials in Vienna stated that they are addressing the IAEA's concerns. Officials from the Islamic Republic accused the United States of exerting excessive pressure on the IAEA to take action against Iran. Mr. ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, called on the Iranian government to provide credible assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear programs at the start of a week-long meeting of the agency's executive board in Vienna. In a closed session of the IAEA board, Mr. ElBaradei noted that Iran has failed to report the existence of nuclear material stockpiles in the country and their use, but Iranian officials are now taking steps to rectify this situation. An IAEA spokesperson stated that the agency has sent inspectors to Iran since February but is seeking greater transparency from Iran. Prior to the meeting, it was reported that the IAEA was reviewing a report indicating that the Islamic Republic has not complied with the international treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. A confidential IAEA report, accessed by Western news agencies, indicates that the Iranian regime has failed to meet its international nuclear obligations and has not informed the IAEA about the use of nuclear materials in Iran. The Associated Press reported, citing Mr. ElBaradei, that he urged the Iranian government to provide credible assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. President Bush's administration accuses Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a claim that the Iranian government denies. Foreign ministers of European Union member states also discussed Iran's nuclear program today in Luxembourg, with reports indicating that several European ministers emphasized the importance of Iran accepting more inspections by the IAEA and urged the Iranian government to sign an agreement allowing UN inspectors to access Iran's nuclear facilities.