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Last update - 19:34 22/02/2008


IAEA: Iran not complying with nuclear program inspection

By Yossi Melman, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies

Tags: Iranian nuclear program, Iran

Iran is still not complying sufficiently with nuclear inspectors sent to examine their nuclear energy programs, according to a report released by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) on Friday.

The report states that Iran has carried out a series of experiments associated with the production of nuclear weapons, high velocity explosives, and uranium enrichment. Teheran has also reportedly carried out simulations of warhead detonations and tests involving Polonium 210, a material used to develop nuclear weapons.

IAEA chief Mohamed El-Baradei writes in the report that some of the data they received on Iran's activities came from countries that were interested in increasing IAEA scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program.


Teheran has stated that the data in question, which includes documents, is counterfeit.

The report did detail areas of greater Iranian cooperation, and said Teheran has produced documents detailing research and experiments carried in Iranian academic institutions, activities which were previously thought to be a front for Iran's atomic energy association.

El-Baradei on Friday said his agency had made "quite good progress" in clarifying Iran's nuclear program thanks to increased Iranian cooperation, but serious doubts persist.

"We are at it for the last five years. In the last four months, in particular, we have made quite good progress in clarifying the outstanding issues...," he said in a statement accompanying a new report on Iran's behavior.

"On that score, Iran in the last few months has provided us with visits to many places that enable us to have a clearer picture of Iran's current program. However, that is not, in my view, sufficient," he said.

El-Baradei called on Iran to follow UN Security Council Resolution 1696, which said Iran must suspend uranium enrichment or face diplomatic sanctions. Nonetheless, the report states Iran has stocked its Natanz reactor with new, gas-powered centrifuges which are reportedly more advanced and able to enrich more uranium than their predecessors.

The report was welcomed by Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, who said it provides "more evidence proving Iran's truthfulness on the nuclear issue."

"This victory is the result of resistance by the Iranian nation in insisting on its rights," Jalili said.
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