Eurasia Press & News
TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Gholam Reza Agha-zadeh here on Thursday stressed the point that Tehran does not intend to stop its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Speaking to reporters, the nuclear official said that a committee formed under the secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) — headed by Ali Larijani-is currently studying the different dimensions of the country’s cooperation with the Agency.
He said that Tehran would continue cooperation with the IAEA within the boundaries of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), reiterating that the Islamic Republic’s policy is based on continued cooperation with the Agency.
Asked about the controversial revision of cooperation and relations with the IAEA with regard to the Agency’s inspections of the Iranian nuclear sites and facilities, the vice-president said, “One of the issues discussed at the aforementioned committee is the time-table for the inspections.”
Noting the UN Security Council Resolution 1737 containing sanctions against Iran, he pointed out, “I do believe that there is no solution to the issue but negotiations, and the other party is well informed of this fact.”
“They expect us to build more confidence while we do expect them to recognize our rights,” Agha-zadeh reminded, adding that the two parties can reach a solution if they work within the said two criteria.
He further called on the EU to recognize Iran’s inalienable and irrevocable nuclear rights, and noting the talks between Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani and EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana, he underlined, “I believe that the two sides must consider the NPT and mutual confidence building as the fundamental core and framework of negotiations.”
