The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has temporarily
suspended several technical nuclear aid projects to Iran thus
complying with a UN Security Council resolution.
Moreover, according to a statement from IAEA spokeswoman Melissa
Fleming, all of the aid projects are also being thoroughly examined
by the world atomic energy body.
Although the United States is facing mounting criticism from
traditional US allies in the European Union and many developing
countries, some western diplomats said that Washington pressured
for a slashing of at least half of the aid projects.
As to whether Iran are working towards building nuclear weapons
or develop nuclear electricity, Gregory Schulte, the US envoy to
the IAEA, answered "Iran is developing the capability to produce
both."
UN Security Council 1737 was passed on Dec. 23 slapping
sanctions on Iran and urging Tehran to suspend its enrichment
activities, while prohibiting transfers of sensitive nuclear
materials to Iran. However, Iranian officials have rejected the
resolution and vowed to install 3,000 centrifuges by March
2007.
Until last month, the IAEA maintained around 65 nuclear aid
projects to Iran and neighboring countries to bolster peaceful uses
of nuclear energy, while 15 aid projects were specifically set for
Iran.
Due to current disagreement between the United States and other
countries, a final permanent strategy to technical nuclear aids to
Iran is expected to be discussed at the next IAEA board meeting to
be held in Vienna on March 5.
(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)
