Atomic agency receives Iran notice on full program resumption
Iran-UN, Politics, 1/4/2006

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said its that Secretariat received yesterday a Note Verbale from the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran in which Iran informed the Agency that it "has decided to resume from 9 January 2006 those R & D on the peaceful nuclear energy program which has been suspended as part of its expanded voluntary and non-legally binding suspension."

IAEA Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei, has informed the IAEA Board of Governors of Iran's decision to resume certain R & D activities. The Secretariat is in the process of seeking clarification from Iran as to the implications of their decision.

The organization noted that ElBaradei "recalls the importance placed by the IAEA Board that Iran maintains its suspension of all enrichment-related activities as a key confidence-building measure. The Director General acknowledges the right under the NPT of all States, including Iran, to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. However, he continues to call on Iran to take the steps the IAEA requires to resolve outstanding issues regarding the nature of Iran's nuclear program."

In the meantime, ElBaradei also calls on Iran to take voluntary measures to build confidence, and enable the resumption of dialogue with all concerned parties, the organization said.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that there were no existing restrictions on nuclear research. As to the nuclear issue, Iran has undertaken the most comprehensive diplomacy." The president outlined the current status of the nuclear dispute, and said according to IRNA "Iran has showed exceptional magnanimity in the two previous administrations but the talks have only resulted in increasing expectations on the Islamic Republic of Iran." "We pursue an active foreign policy. We are aware of our strengths and the demands in the international arena." He said that the nuclear issue has come to the fore because the West suspects Iran's intentions in its nuclear programs, but glosses over its genocide and huge arsenals of nuclear weapons that can be used against nations at will while pressing Iran to abandon its peaceful nuclear activities. Stressing that Iran has no need for nuclear weapons, he said Iran nonetheless had the undeniable right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said today that Iran's nuclear strategy is based on both transparency and emphasis on rights guaranteed under international law and that sovereign states do not need permission to engage in peaceful nuclear activities.

Previous Stories:
  Iran to restart halted nuclear research   (1/3/2006)
  Iran insists on uranium enrichment on its soil, welcomes other suppliers   (1/2/2006)
  MP: Iran has right and need to all peaceful nuclear capabilities   (1/2/2006)
  Iran insistent on full rights ahead of AIEA meeting on nuclear issue   (11/23/2005)
  Iran suspension of voluntary steps if nuclear issues is referred to Security Council   (11/21/2005)

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