IAEA Chief demands full disclosure from Iran

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-03-2008 09:14

The International Atomic Energy Agency is examining Iran's nuclear defiance and suspicions that Syria might have secretly tried to build a nuclear reactor.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General  Mohamed ElBaradei waits for the start of a board of  governors meeting in Vienna, June 2, 2008. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

At the start of the five-day meeting in Vienna, IAEA director-general Mohamed ElBaradei briefed the 35 member nations on the latest developments for Iran and Syria.

The UN nuclear chief has criticized Iran for stonewalling his investigations into allegations that Tehran worked on a secret nuclear weapons programme.

The UN nuclear chief says Iran has not provided the agency with access to documents and to individuals nor has the country provided adequate explanations to support its statements.

He has called on Tehran to provide full access to the necessary information as soon as possible.

Mohamed ElBaradei said, "It is essential that the agency be able to reach a conclusion regarding the nature of Iran's programme at the earliest possible date. This depends primarily on Iran demonstrating the necessary transparency and providing full disclosure. I again urge Iran to be fully forthcoming in this regard."

The US and its Western allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran denies the charges and insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Turning to Syria, ElBaradei says Damascus has agreed to let inspectors into the country between June the 22nd and 24 to investigate allegations of illegal nuclear activity.

Editor:Du Xiaodan