IAEA’s report invalidates accusations: Jalili
November 17, 2007 - 0:0
TEHRAN -- IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei’s report on Iran’s nuclear program showed that the Western powers’ accusations against Iran were baseless, top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said here on Thursday.
A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday found Iran to be generally truthful about key aspects of its nuclear history, AP reported.In light of the IAEA report, “many accusations are now baseless,” Jalili told reporters in a press conference, adding, “Those powers who base their accusations on this I hope will reconsider what they say.”
The report proves that imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic would be an “illegal action”.
New sanctions against Iran would impede the process of cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he warned.
If new UN sanctions are approved, “you should be asking what is the logic in this,” Jalili said.
Considering the IAEA statement, Iran’s answers to the agency over P-1 and P-2 centrifuge machines have been satisfactory and from now on the talks will focus on the source of contamination, Jalili explained.
“Iran has shown it is working within the framework of the law, but at the same time, we want our (nuclear) rights. We have done everything to have a peaceful nuclear program,” he explained.
The Supreme National Security Council secretary insisted Iran was enthusiastic about continuing talks with the IAEA, which has “complete supervision” of Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
Proper cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog has helped reinforce bilateral relations within the framework of the NPT and International Atomic Energy Agency Statute.
He said the agency’s report shows that the Islamic Republic and the IAEA have developed full and active cooperation to settle the remaining differences.
“We are committed to our agreements with the agency and we are prepared to help the international community in its efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons in the world.”
However, he added, “We will not accept a double-standard approach towards our nuclear rights. These talks can pave the way for new cooperation and clear up misunderstandings.”
Jalili said that the U.S. reaction to ElBaradei’s report and its efforts to impose new sanctions on Iran shows that “whether the report is negative or positive, the Americans always say the same thing.”
He also stated that a new nuclear negotiator does not mean a new policy; Iran’s nuclear strategy is stable and the nuclear negotiator pursues the government’s policies