IAEA: Nuclear Talks with Iran Postponed to Feb 8

Local Editor

The UN nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday a planned meeting with Iran next week to discuss steps meant to help allay concern over its nuclear program had been postponed to Feb. 8, without giving a reason.

The talks between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] are separate from - though still closely linked with - broader diplomacy between Tehran and six world powers over Iran's nuclear activity.

In November, Iran and the IAEA agreed a cooperation pact, including six initial steps to be taken by the country over the following three months, including access to two nuclear-related facilities and the provision of information.

They said after a review meeting last month they would meet again in Tehran on Jan. 21 to discuss the next steps under the framework agreement. An IAEA spokeswoman confirmed in an e-mail a report that the date of the meeting had been postponed.

Separately, Iran and the six powers - the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia - said on Sunday the implementation of a Nov. 24 landmark agreement to curb Tehran's atomic activity in return for some sanctions easing would begin on Jan. 20.

The IAEA will play a major role in verifying that Iran implements its part of the deal.

The IAEA's 35-nation governing board is due to hold an extraordinary meeting on Jan. 24 to discuss the UN agency's extra work in monitoring the six-month agreement between Iran and the six states, two diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team