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Diplomat: ElBaradei's proposed "time-out" most reasonable for resumption of talks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Vienna, Feb 26, IRNA
Austria-Nuclear-Suspension
A Western diplomat in Vienna said on Monday that the proposal of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei for a "time-out" in the current standoff over Iran's nuclear activities was the only way to return to talks on the issue.

ElBaradei's proposal, first mooted in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, calls for a simultaneous suspension of enrichment by Iran and implementation of sanctions by the UN Security Council.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the diplomat told IRNA that he considered ElBaradei's proposal as the only way to resume talks and achieve a favorable outcome.

He said that under present conditions this was the best idea, and added that any proposal aimed at encouraging parties to go back to the negotiating table should be supported.

With regard to the next scheduled IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna in the coming week which would likely focus on the Iran nuclear issue, he said that it would be of no importance.

"The upcoming meeting will only deal with the explanations and views of world countries regarding the issue, but no major decision is expected to be taken," he said.

"ElBaradei's report and the technical report of the IAEA secretariat about Iran will also be examined and accepted by members of the Board of Governors," he added.

On the other hand, the diplomat underlined that major decisions on the Iran nuclear issue based on the IAEA chief's report last week will be the centerpiece of a meeting of the 5+1 Group in New York which begins later today.

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