Jun 16, 2003, 1:03 PM

Iran Expects IAEA to Act Professionally Regardless of U.S. Pressures

TEHRAN, June 16 (Mehr News Agency) – The U.S. disinformation campaign against Iran's nuclear programs is part of a psychological warfare Washington has waged against Tehran after all its plans to topple the Islamic system failed, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamidreza Assefi said here Monday.

Talking to reporters, Assefi said that Iran expects the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) to rely on its experts and prepare its reports on Iran's nuclear program on the basis of professional criteria regardless of U.S. pressures.

The UN watchdog is under pressure by the U.S. to report violations by Iran of the conventions of Nuclear-Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The report is due to be published today.

Chief of IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei told the CNN last month that Iran's nuclear program is not a "weapons program".

“We hope the IAEA would understand the circumstances and prepares its reports as an international and professional agency is expected to,” Assefi said.

On whether Iran would sign an additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), making room for stricter inspections of the UN body, Assefi said Iran’s decision in that connection depends on the cooperation of countries that have nuclear know-how to help it develop its nuclear technology.

The UN body has asked Iran to sign an additional protocol to the NPT allowing more inspections. Iran says is ready to sign the additional protocol provided the developed countries abide by their commitments of assisting Tehran to develop its nculear facilities which are for peaceful purposes.

“We should first study how other countries are going to carry out their obligations in transferring nuclear technology and know-how to Iran in return for Tehran’s signing the additional protocol,” he said.

“It is only then that Iran will consider joining the 93+2 protocol.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Assefi said Iran cannot act against its domestic public opinion so long as those commitments are not carried out toward the Islamic Republic.

Russia is Iran's main partner in developing its nuclear programs. Shortly after the G8 summit in Evian, France, Russia announced that it will supply nuclear fuel to Iran even if it decided not to sign the additional protocol.

MS/AA/SM

End

MNA

News ID 130