Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

ElBaradei: Iran-IAEA work plan a significant step forward

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Vienna, Aug 30, IRNA
Iran-IAEA-Report
Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed ElBaradei in his report to the agency's Board of Governors here Thursday described the Iran-IAEA work plan as a significant step forward.

In his five-page report, he said, "If Iran finally addresses the long outstanding verification issues, the Agency should be in a position to reconstruct the history of Iran's nuclear programme." ElBaradei added, "Naturally, the key to successful implementation of the agreed work plan is Iran's full and active cooperation with the Agency, and its provision to the Agency of all relevant information and access to all relevant documentation and individuals to enable the Agency to resolve all outstanding issues.

"To this end, the Agency considers it essential that Iran adheres to the time line defined therein and implements all the necessary safeguards and transparency measures, including the measures provided for in the Additional Protocol."

ElBaradei added that once Iran's past nuclear programme has been clarified, Iran would need to continue to build confidence about the scope and nature of its present and future nuclear programme.

"Confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme requires that the Agency be able to provide assurances not only regarding declared nuclear material, but, equally important, regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran, through the implementation of the Additional Protocol." The IAEA director-general urged Iran to ratify and bring into force the Additional Protocol at the earliest possible date, as requested by the Board of Governors and the UN Security Council.

In another part of his report, ElBaradei said the Agency has concluded that Iran's statements concerning plutonium experiments are consistent with the Agency's findings with respect to the dates, and quantities and types of material involved in the experiments.

"This issue is therefore considered resolved," he added in his report which covers the latest developments between Iran and the IAEA from May 23.

With respect to suspension of uranium enrichment, he said Iran has not suspended its enrichment related activities.

The report said Iran has continued with the operation of PFEP, and with the construction and operation of FEP.

He further said that Iran is also continuing with its construction of the IR-40 reactor and operation of the Heavy Water Production Plant.

ElBaradei said, "The Agency is able to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran.

"Iran has been providing the Agency with access to declared nuclear material, and has provided the required nuclear material accountancy reports in connection with declared nuclear material and facilities."

He, however, said the agency remains unable to verify certain aspects relevant to the scope and nature of Iran's nuclear programme.

ElBaradei's report is expected to be discussed during the September 10 session of the Board of Governors in Vienna.

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