Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

IAEA chief: Iran's nuclear issue to be solved through talks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Amman, April 15, IRNA
Jordan-Nuclear-ElBaradei
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei said here Sunday that Iran's nuclear issue can only be solved through talks.

ElBaradei made the statement in a press conference after meeting Jordan's King Abdullah II.

He urged the need for distinction between nuclear weapons and concern over Iran's nuclear program for peaceful purposes.

"We have not observed any nuclear activity in Iran for military purposes and no clandestine operations are underway to this end in the country.

"The country's nuclear programs over the next 5-10 years require concern, rather than its present activities," he added.

ElBaradei hoped that Iranian government will cooperate with IAEA more closely to enable the agency to underline the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

"No military option is intended for solving the issue, given that it will be irrational and disastrous. Besides, it will make the problem further complicated," he added.

In response to the question about the dual approach to Israel's nuclear issue, he said that a mistake has taken place in dealing with it, given that Arab countries are members of NPT while Israel is not.

He added that meanwhile, Arab countries have not set a condition for Israel's membership in NPT.

"Israel is in possession of nuclear weapons. This is while the nuclear programs of Arab states are required to be peaceful," he added.

ElBaradei said that eventually agreement should be reached on a Middle East free from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and Israel should also sign it.

Chief of the UN nuclear watchdog arrived in Jordan's capital of Amman on Saturday night for a three-day visit.

During his visit, he will confer with Jordanian officials on the country's nuclear program for peaceful purposes, including establishment of a 600 MW nuclear power plant.

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