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ElBaradei: No reason to go beyond diplomacy in dealing with Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Vienna, Sept 17, IRNA
Iran-IAEA-Nuclear
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei said on Monday that there is no reason to go beyond diplomacy in dealing with Iran's nuclear program.

ElBaradei made the remark on the sidelines of the 51st annual IAEA general conference for its 144 member states which opened in Vienna on Monday.

The IAEA chief told reporters that Iran moves towards clarifying process, and that he believes the international community has not reached a worrying point at present.

When a country speaks of using force, it should bear in mind that such a move will work only if all other options have been used and proved useless and that its implementation should be within the framework of the UN Security Council, he noted.

Criticizing certain countries promoting such an attitude (use of force) against Iran, he said, There is no need to use force at present, but the world should encourage Iran to expand cooperation with the IAEA.

The international community needs to keep the process of dialogue open in order to restrict the idea of using force against Iran, he said.

Underlining the need for clarifying and moving forward within the framework of a timetable agreed upon by IAEA and Iran, he said other nations should understand that the issue has been tied with the security of the region, therefore, they are expected to be more patient.

ElBaradei referred to the fact that after four years of cooperation between Iran and IAEA, they need a few months to accomplish the work, adding, he is of the opinion that the issue would be resolved only through direct talks.

Given Iran is ready to cooperate and move forward for confidence-building in this respect, the IAEA chief said that he saw no evidence indicating that Iran's nuclear program has posed a threat.

He hoped that all countries would take lesson from the Iraq issue, he said, adding, situation in Iraq is a drama in which innocent people are killed every day and thus, all parties should be careful when they speak about use of force.

The IAEA chief also underlined that he would try to draw a good end for the process through negotiations.

If the parties involved in the dossier of Iran's nuclear program hold talks around a table, the result will be better than speaking about who should use force against Iran, he added.

Underlining the need for tranquility and avoidance of hue and cry, he said that clarifying the past and present status
would improve the current condition.

AN/1412