Iran wants nuke compensation

2006-03-07 22:59

Tehran - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called on the United Nations nuclear agency to compensate Iran for its suspension of nuclear activities in 2003, state television reported on Tuesday.

Ahmadinejad made the call shortly before the International Atomic Energy Agency began a second day of talks in Vienna that will include Iran's nuclear programme.

The meeting is expected to file a report on Iran to the UN security council, which has the power to impose sanctions on the country.

"The IAEA now has to compensate Iran for causing damage to the development of its science, technology and economy" due to the suspension of nuclear activities, the television quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.

Scientists out of work

Under heavy pressure from the West, Iran suspended its enrichment of uranium and related activities in 2003 as a goodwill gesture.

It began negotiations with the big three European powers on a framework for its nuclear development.

Iran has said the suspension put hundreds of scientists out of work.

Ahmadinejad's claim that the IAEA had a debt to Iran appeared to be another bid to put pressure on the world body as it considers its report on Iran to the Security Council.

On Sunday, Iran warned that if the issue went to the council, it would begin large-scale enrichment of uranium.

- AP