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Unconditional Talks, solution for Iran's nuclear problems - Blix

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Vienna, May 9, IRNA
Blix-Iran-Nuclear
Former IAEA head said here Wednesday evening continuation of direct, unconditional nuclear negotiations between Iran and all involved parties, including US, is best solution for Iran's nuclear problems.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Preliminary NPT Conference in an exclusive interview with IRNA in Vienna, Blix added, "I have doubts in drawing conclusion from the contest of the negotiations held so far." In reply to IRNA's question about the double standards observed by the West, particularly by the United States on nuclear activities, he said, "The method applied by the West in dealing with North Korea's nuclear program was not adopted in regards with Iran and the behavior of the negotiating team with your country was totally different." He added, "Direct talks were held with North Korea on that country's nuclear program, while in case of Iran such talks did not take place."

Blix added, "In case of North Korea, Pyong Yang received guaranties that there would be no air strikes and no efforts aimed at regime change, while Iran never gained any such guarantees." The former head of the UN nuclear watchdog further emphasized, "The West's arrogant policies led Iran to become suspicious even about the neutrality of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and to consider revising its policies about continuing cooperation with it.

He meanwhile announced his disapproval of any kind of military attack, or imposing economic pressure against Iran, arguing, "Such moves would be irrational, only leading to inciting national sentiments."

Blix also emphasized that Iran differs very much with Iraq, adding, "At the time Iraq was attacked, that country did not have uranium, but Iran has huge uranium enrichment facilities today, and that is a fact that should not be ignored."

He added, "In accordance with the nuclear NPT, Iran is not obliged to suspend its uranium enrichment, and if the Iranians would have been asked to do so in return for achieving some really greater advantage, that would have been worth consideration."

The former IAEA chief who was in Vienna to attend the opening session of the Preliminary NPT Conference upon an invitation by his successor Muhamed ElBaradei, meanwhile said, "All the same, I believe in a bid to avoid further aggravation of the situation, Iran had better distance itself from enrichment activities."

IRNA asked Blix's opinion on certain comment based on which Iran is pursuing its nuclear program because it feels insecure. He replied, "I cannot make any judgment in that regard, but it is obvious that Iran began its nuclear activities in 1980, that is when the Iran-Iraq War was going on."

The Preliminary NPT Conference began its activities in Vienna last week and will conclude on Friday.

The issue atop this conference's agenda is preparing the work plan for the 2010 NPT Revision Conference.

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