IAEA may go for “weak” Iran resolution
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), meets today in Vienna to discuss whether sanctions ought to be introduced to force Iran to comply with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
In a recent report, the IAEA slammed Iran for 18 years of “lies” over its nuclear technology.
The IAEA said Tehran willingly covered up plans to make fissile material for nuclear weapons.
But in an apparent affront to the US, the major players in the IAEA are prepared to back an alternative resolution – prepared by foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany – that would prompt Iran to obey UN law and would allow on-the-spot UN inspections in exchange for assistance to boost domestic electricity production.
The EU resolution would also demand of Iran that it suspend uranium enrichment.
The US insists Iran is clearly in violation of the NPT and sanctions must ensue.
The US says the EU resolution is a poor deterrent and would fail to inspire the “axis of evil” state to fall into line.
Only Canada, Australia and Japan support Washington’s stance on the IAEA’s 25-member board.
