Posted on 11/07/2004 9:13:19 PM PST by NormsRevenge
SYDNEY (Reuters) - The United Nation's nuclear watchdog chief said on Monday he was cautiously optimistic over a tentative deal between Iran and the European Union (news - web sites)'s three big powers regarding Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
Mohamed ElBaradei, chief of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said he still had to confirm details of the agreement, but hoped it included the suspension of uranium enrichment programs in Iran as a sign of good faith by Tehran.
"I am told it is still a very tentative agreement, it has still not yet been confirmed," ElBaradei told a news conference in Sydney.
"I would hope that this would lead to the desired outcome, which is Iran to suspend processing and enrichment activities and open the way for the normalization of Iran's relations with the international community," he said.
"What the international community is asking Iran, that at least for now, (is) suspend enrichment activities as a confidence building measure. We are cautiously optimistic we are moving in that direction," said ElBaradei, who addressed a conference in Sydney on the threat of nuclear terror.
Iranian and EU officials said on Sunday a deal had been struck between Iran, Britain, Germany and France after two days of talks in Paris that could see Tehran avert U.N. Security Council sanctions over its disputed nuclear program.
Under the deal Iran would freeze all nuclear fuel enrichment and reprocessing activities until it has reached a final agreement with the EU over a package of economic, technological and security incentives in return for abandoning potentially weapons-related nuclear activities, the diplomats said.
The deal now awaits the go-ahead from Iran's clerical leadership, EU diplomatic sources told Reuters.
President Bush (news - web sites) has dubbed Iran an "axis of evil" member and wants Iran's case sent to the U.N. Security Council, but Washington agreed last month to give the EU trio a final opportunity to negotiate a solution with Iran.
Iran says its nuclear plants will only be used for a civilian atomic energy program.
"We have enough enrichment capacity in the world, we are not yet sure about the nature of the Iran program, we are still going through the process of verification," ElBaradei said.
The EU trio told Iran it must freeze uranium enrichment -- a process used to purify uranium into nuclear reactor fuel or to make bomb-grade material -- before the Nov. 25 board meeting of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog or face the Security Council.
"The (Nov. 25) report deals with legal compliance and confidence building. The first part will not change, the second part will change depending on Iran's response," ElBaradei said.
"I hope this report of mutual agreement will be confirmed. I think many board members approach will be different if Iran shows confidence building and suspends enrichment," he said.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed El Baradei gestures as he answers a question at a news conference in Sydney November 8, 2004. The United Nation's nuclear watchdog chief said he was cautiously optimistic over a tentative deal between Iran and the European Union (news - web sites)'s three big powers regarding Tehran's disputed nuclear program. (Tim Wimborne/Reuters)
Iran, the EU, France, Germany...I trust this implicitly.
Hey That's great Don't you feel safe now, I sure do !!
Coming from a guy like Mohamed El Baradei, we can really sleep soundly -- NOT!!!
"The Iranians may or may not suspend their nuclear program....the world will just have to wait and see."
"I lost my files."
Whatever. Foxes watching the chicken coop.
Oh, well, guess that problem is solved!
Please, if Iran is close to making the bomb they are going to get a nice visit from either us or the Israeli's. The U.N. isn't going to save them.
I've reached the point where it is IMPOSSIBLE to trust an "Official" of the U.N. --- especially an Arab Muslim that hasn't competently performed his job for decades...
How long must we continue this foolish Opera - pretending we are not the target of the Islamanazis and the U.N..
Semper Fi
How big a cut is El Baradai set to receive?
Prairie
Why don't they give us the incentives and stuff and we'll make sure Iran doesn't keep that plant running!
The check's in the mail, too.
Wonder if we could interest any of these folks in buying a bridge.
we need to take out their nuclear facilities with MOAB's. If any country has a problem with that, tell them to shove it. The UN is beyond corrupt. They are vile and full of evil humans.
yes, asap. We cannot allow Iran to go hot. France is our enemy. We need to act alone in Iran. The people are ready to grab freedom.
We had better do it soon, as in a couple of months at the most.
Alternative headline: "UN Nuclear Watchdog Again Self-Deluded"
"The United Nation's nuclear watchdog chief said on Monday he was cautiously optimistic"
gee i feel better already.
This will prove to be another short-lived but well publicized vision by UN bureaucrats who wear rose-colored glasses.
It is merely a ploy to keep this from the Security Council
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