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ElBaradei hopes to resolve Iran's nuclear case by next year

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, Dec 6, IRNA
Iran-IAEA Chief
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei said Tuesday that he hoped to resolve outstanding issues with regard to Iran's nuclear program by next year.

The UN nuclear watchdog chief expressed his views during a speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, when he referred to the IAEA's inspection programme in Iran.

He said that it had been 'difficult' and 'frustrating at times' in what he called putting together a 'puzzle' about Iran's nuclear program.

Most of the issues had been resolved, but there was 'important parts still missing', ElBaradei said, referring to work required in going to some of Iran's military sites, interviewing people and seeing document.

"After three years, we need to bring this to a close," he said, but expressed hope that it would be 'concluded by next year' when the case could be brought to a close.

The IAEA director general was delivering a speech on 'Reflections on Nuclear Challenges Today' after being invited to give the annual IISS Alastair Buchan Memorial Lecture, named after the 47-year old think-tank's first director.

Earlier, he called on Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who has been leading negotiations with Iran with his French and German counterparts to reach long-term arrangements on the country's nuclear program, but no comments were made after the meeting.

In an interview with the Independent newspaper on Monday, ElBaradei, warned against the dangerous game of brinkmanship in the west's nuclear dispute with Iran.

"Everybody would hurt," he said. "You would then open a Pandora's box. There would be efforts to isolate Iran; Iran would retaliate," he told the daily.

On Saturday, the IAEA director general is due to go to Oslo to receive this year's Nobel Peace Prize awarded to him and his UN watchdog agency.

HC/2322/1412