Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=02/12/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IAEA/IRAN (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-313040

BYLINE=MELANIE SULLY

DATELINE=VIENNA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Diplomats in Vienna say I-A-E-A inspectors in Iran have found evidence of a nuclear capability that the country did not reveal in its recent disclosures, which it said included all aspects of its nuclear program. Melanie Sully has more from Vienna.

TEXT: Diplomatic sources say Iran has failed to fully inform the International Atomic Energy Agency of its nuclear activities.

Last year, Iran gave the agency what it claimed was an accurate and comprehensive report of its nuclear program.

But now, western diplomats, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say Tehran has kept secret highly sensitive designs for uranium enrichment centrifuges that could be used to make material for nuclear weapons.

Last November, the I-A-E-A board of governors passed a resolution saying that further serious Iranian failures to disclose any aspect of its nuclear program would lead to an immediate emergency meeting to consider all possible options.

At the time, the head of the I-A-E-A, Mohamed ElBaradei, said that could include referring the issue to the U-N Security Council, but that other options would also be considered.

Diplomats say much will depend on Mr. ElBaradei's advice to the board. Mr. ElBaradei has recently warned of the dangers of a global black market in nuclear components. (SIGNED)

NEB/MS/AWP/MEM/TW