The U.S. Says the UN Must Ensure the Accuracy of Information Regarding Iran's Nuclear Efforts - 2003-11-01

The United States has requested that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ensure that Iran has fully disclosed its nuclear activities. This request comes as inspectors from the agency are trying to determine whether Iran has met the deadline of Friday, October 31. Iran had until Friday to prove that its nuclear program is peaceful; otherwise, it could face United Nations sanctions. However, Richard Boucher, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that IAEA members should not judge whether the Islamic Republic has met the deadline until Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the agency, presents his report on the accuracy of Iran's disclosures. The IAEA board intends to decide in mid-November, based on ElBaradei's report, whether to refer Iran's case to the Security Council for potential sanctions. Mr. ElBaradei has indicated that the progress of his inspectors in Iran is good. He also stated that he expects to receive a letter next week containing Iran's agreement to the conditions of the Additional Protocol to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Meanwhile, on Friday, hundreds protested at Tehran University following Friday prayers against the Islamic Republic's decision to sign the protocol.