The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) failed to reach consensus on a resolution drafted by Germany, France and Britain on Iran's nuclear on the first day of the IAEA Board of Governors conference Thursday.  

The United States insisted on accusing Iran of "breaches" of its safeguard obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while the revised version of the draft resolution by Germany, France and Britain didn't meet the US demand, which resulted in little progress on the first-day agenda of Iran's nuclear issue.

According to an Austrian diplomat, most of the board members agreed to criticize Iran's concealment of its atomic program, but did not hope to see the issue being taken to the United Nations, for fear of making Iran give up collaboration with the IAEA.

Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, warned that it is unacceptable for Iran to see a resolution containing any statement accusing Iran of breaching its obligations under the NPT.

Adam Ereli, deputy spokesman for the US State Department, urged the IAEA on Thursday to confirm that Iran's action violates the NPT and to take the issue to the United Nations.

The 35-member board will continue to discuss the issue on Friday and is expected to eventually find a resolution acceptable to all parties, diplomats said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2003)