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Khatami: Iran dissatisfied with IAEA resolution

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, March 17, IRNA -- President Seyed Mohammad Khatami said here 
on Wednesday, that though Iran is dissatisfied with the resolution 
issued by the IAEA Board of Governors, neither did US succeed in 
achieving its objective. 
Speaking to correspondents after a weekly cabinet meeting, he 
added that the issue of atomic energy brought up a year ago is 
sensitive, given its close follow-up and extensive US intervention to 
refer the case to the UN Security Council. 
"Fortunately, our constant diplomatic efforts and the cooperation 
of Europe and the Non-Aligned Movement member states ended in aborting
US attempts and enhancing Iran`s stance. 
"Even at this stage, the US exerted great pressure on the nuclear 
watchdog and the representatives of various countries. However, this 
time, only Australia and Canada kept on backing the US," he added. 
Turning to Canada`s approach as a relevant issue, he regretted 
Australia`s wrong decision in opposing Iran in view of the current 
developments and added, "In fact they served as a shield behind which 
the US was hiding. 
"I believe that the Iranian delegation did a good job at this 
stage, so did the Europeans who backed Iran, despite the fact that we 
expected them to be more cooperative. 
"According to the discussions among participating members and 
statements by the chairman of the meeting, the resolution was issued 
against Iran without a vote and the approval of the attendants," he 
added. 
The chief executive noted that Iran has been committed to its 
obligations towards the IAEA and Tehran Declaration and that both the 
nuclear watchdog and Europeans have been notified that Iran`s 
continued cooperation with the agency would depend on their respective
commitments. 
"We have no particular commitment to anyone, but have rather been 
cooperating with the agency and would continue to do so as long as our
interests are served. 
"Given that we are entitled to access technology on nuclear fuel 
recycling for peaceful application, no one could deprive us of such a 
right. Besides the steps so far taken by Iran have been voluntary," he
added. 
The president stressed that Iran would in no way submit to moves 
which are imposed on it and that it has volunteered to sign the NPT 
additional protocol, suspend uranium enrichment process and accept 
inspection of its nuclear installations. 
"We would continue cooperating with IAEA as far as various 
conspiracies orchestrated by the US would be doomed to failure," he 
added. 
He expressed Iran`s expectation that members of the IAEA`s Board 
of Governors, the three major European countries and the IAEA would 
strive to move Iran`s nuclear dossier out of the current extraordinary
situation to enable it to proceed with its nuclear program. 
"We have not lost hope to this end, but the extent of the success 
would depend on the US pressures and the approach of the Europeans and
other countries to the issue. 
"Iran has no intention of suspending its cooperation with the 
nuclear agency and its objection to IAEA inspection of its atomic 
installations could be a warning to the agency for coming under 
excessive US pressure," he concluded. 
MP/AH/210 
End