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IAEA Discussing Iran's Nuclear Program
September 11, 2006 -- The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog today welcomed progress in talks between the European Union and Iran over Tehran's disputed uranium enrichment program.
Muhammad el-Baradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told journalists in Vienna that he was "encouraged that there is ongoing dialogue" with Iran.
El-Baradei was speaking ahead of a meeting of the IAEA's governing board.
The IAEA meeting in Vienna comes after EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani held two days of what were described as constructive talks on ending the standoff.
Larijani praised the outcome of the negotiations with Solana on Iranian state television on September 11, saying that "some ambiguities were removed and also agreements were reached on some principles. These principles are constructive and it shows that our common points are increasing. This is very helpful in resolving the issue."
El-Baradei said he believes "negotiations are the best option to find a durable solution."
The West wants Iran to suspend uranium enrichment before talks on implementing a Western offer of trade incentives.
Solana and Larijani said a further round of talks could take place, possibly on September 14.
In published remarks today, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said hope remains that Iran will agree to stop uranium enrichment.
Washington, however, wants the UN Security Council to begin talks this week on a draft sanctions resolution against Iran.
Washington accuses Iran of using its nuclear program to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, saying its program is only for energy production.
(Reuters, AP)
Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
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