IAEA's Amano to visit Germany next week: informed source
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, Sept 30, IRNA - Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano is to visit Germany next week, an informed source told IRNA here late Wednesday evening.
Amano is to hold a speech at a Berlin-based think-tank and expected to meet with German officials.
The visit by the IAEA boss comes in the wake of recent criticism by Iranian nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi who accused Amano of being biased.
Talking to the Hamburg-based weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, Salehi said,
'(IAEA chief Yukiya) Amano must take care that he does not lose his legitimacy by taking a political stance.'
Salehi had earlier slammed the latest IAEA's report which criticized Tehran's alleged lack of cooperation with the agency's probe of the country's nuclear program.
While Iran insists on its right to object to individual IAEA inspectors, the UN watchdog claims that the country is hindering the work of the international nuclear experts.
'If we refuse two inspectors, which is our right, (Amano) presents it as a lack of cooperation. We will not allow this tone of voice,' Salehi said.
He reaffirmed Iran was still ready to cooperate with the IAEA, but wanted to issue a 'friendly, but serious warning.'
'Does Amano want to deliver an excuse for an attack on us?' Salehi asked. 'Does Amano want a catastrophe?'
Iran has repeatedly emphasized its nuclear issue should 'not be politicized,'
referring to efforts by a handful of Western countries which have tried to stir up a political campaign on the matter.
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