UN's Mohamed further delays the condemnation of Irans
Nuclear Programs ....as expected
(read the archives from 2003)
Mohamed El Baradei, the head of the UN’s nuclear monitor, has turned down a request
by the European Union to issue a far-reaching condemnation of Iran’s nuclear
programme when the agency’s board meets in extraordinary session next month.
El Baradei’s reports set the tone for the international debate on the issue, so his
decision could weaken US-European efforts for a speedy referral of Iran to the UN Security
Council.
The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been frustrated
by Iran’s resumption of nuclear research – the move that set off US and European
attempts to send the issue to the Security Council – as well as by a slowdown in
Iranian co-operation with his inspectors. He has informed Tehran it has until the end of
next month to give his inspectors improved access to documents and sites.
Only if Iran does not accede would he be ready to declare his investigation was no longer
making progress and that his hands were tied.
Diplomats said leading European governments had asked Mr ElBaradei to make an earlier
report, ahead of the February 2-3 meeting of the IAEA board.
“ElBaradei has refused because he believes in due process,” said an official
close to the agency. “He has said that the next report will be for the [regular]
March 6 board and he can’t just advance that report.”
Iran gets another few months to finalize hiding the nuclear facilities deep underground.
Iran learned from the Iraq debacle. The worthless UNs ElBarajerk gave Saddham advance
notice of where they would explore. |
