UN Nuclear Agency Chief Arrives in Iran

Source: alalam.ir, 11-01-2008
TEHRAN -Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei arrived in Tehran Friday on a visit aimed at resolving outstanding questions over Iran's nuclear program.
His visit comes amid ongoing talks between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran over some aspects of the Islamic Republic's atomic work.
Accompanied by IAEA deputy director general Olli Heinonen, ElBaradei declined to make any comment on arriving in Tehran, dismissing questions with a wave of the hand.
ElBaradei may try to capitalize on signs of improving Iranian cooperation with IAEA investigators.
He is expected to meet Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's atomic energy organization chief Gholam Reza Aghazadeh, and possibly Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
IAEA Spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said recently that ElBaradei will visit Iran in attempts to add momentum to his Agency's investigation of Iran's past nuclear activities and try to seek additional knowledge of present programs.
Fleming said ElBaradei will help the IAEA ''provide assurance about Iran's past and present nuclear activities.''
Last summer ElBaradei had expressed his hope that all outstanding questions could be solved by the end of 2007.
The IAEA and Iran agreed on a so-called work-plan, aimed at clearing up remaining questions regarding the peaceful nature of Iranian nuclear activities.
In its latest reports in November, besides hailing the cooperation hoped of Iran, the IAEA said Iran made progress in solving outstanding issues.
A diplomat close to the IAEA said on Tuesday their inquiries had entered a final phase.