|
Iran nuke agreement 'close'
26/11/2004 20:02 - (SA)
Vienna - An agreement on the suspension of sensitive Iranian nuclear activities and a European Union resolution on the question appeared imminent on Friday, said a spokesperson for the United Nation's nuclear watchdog agency.
"We understand it is close to an agreement," said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spokesperson Mark Gwozdecky of the talks between the agency, Iran and three European countries - Britain, France and Germany.
"There is a sense of optimism in the room that we are very, very close to a deal," he said, referring to the 35-member board of governors of the IAEA.
Under an accord agreed with Britain, France and Germany earlier this month, Iran said it would suspend key nuclear fuel-cycle activities in a show of good faith to prove its nuclear programme was solely for peaceful ends.
But, the country later asked to able to keep 20 centrifuge devices - which are used for enriching uranium - in use for research purposes.
The European Union is refusing to table its resolution designed to resolve the issue at the IAEA meeting until Tehran complies fully with the freeze, according to diplomats.
Waiting for Iranian letter
"Once the centrifuges issue is resolved, the Europeans tonight will make final consideration," Gwozdecky added.
He added, however, that were no agreement reached on Friday, the matter would be delayed until Monday.
According to a Western diplomat, IAEA director Mohamed ElBaradei is waiting for an Iranian letter confirming it withdraws the exemption request.
If the letter is deemed acceptable and confirms that the centrifuges are to be placed under surveillance, the letter will be forwarded to the European trio for approval, the source said.
Uranium enrichment is the key step in making what can be fuel for nuclear reactors or in highly refined form the explosive core of atomic bombs.
Centrifuges aligned in a series known as cascades spin at supersonic speeds to refine uranium into its enriched state.
- AFP
|
News
