| Experts from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
will visit Iran next week in an effort to resolve outstanding issues
related to the country’s nuclear programme, it was announced today.
Last November the head of the IAEA said there is “credible” information
that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and had called on the country
to agree to a visit by a high-level team to clarify the nature of its
nuclear programme.
In a statement issued today in Vienna, where the Agency is based,
Director General Yukiya Amano announced the upcoming visit, which will
take place from 29 to 31 January.
“The overall objective of the IAEA is to resolve all outstanding substantive issues,” said the statement.
The team will be led by the Deputy Director General for Safeguards,
Herman Nackaerts, and will include the Assistant Director General for
Policy, Rafael Grossi.
“The Agency team is going to Iran in a constructive spirit, and we trust
that Iran will work with us in that same spirit,” said Mr. Amano.
Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear programme is for the
peaceful purpose of providing energy, but many countries contend it is
seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
The Security Council has imposed four rounds of sanctions against Iran,
citing the proliferation risks of its nuclear programme and its
continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA.
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