Iran Ready to Remove Concerns Regarding Its Nuclear Program, But Needs Assurances

Briefing the reporters in his weekly meet-the-press conference Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Assefi added “we must be sure about the aftermath of singing the additional protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).”

The Board of Governors of International Atomic Energy Agency met in mid-June to discuss the IAEA’s chief ElBaradei’s report on Iran’s nuclear program.

Despite U.S. pressures, the Board of Governors did not issue a resolution against Iran, nor did it condemn Tehran for its nuclear programs which are for peaceful purposes.

ElBaradei said in an interview with the CNN after his inspection of Iranian nuclear installations in February that “Iran’s nuclear program is not a weapons program.”

The Board of Governors urged Iran to sign the additional protocol (93+2) to the NPT which allows more vigorous and surprise inspections of its nuclear sites.

The visiting Britain Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told a press conference Sunday: "I drew attention to the IAEA chairman's conclusions that Iran unconditionally and quickly sign the additional protocol and we discussed the circumstances in which that should happen."

Straw arrived here Sunday to discuss bilateral ties, regional issues and also seek Iran's assistance in easing tension in Iraq through its influence among the majority Shia population of the war-torn country which is under the occupation of the United States.

The two-day visit is within the framework of continuous contacts between the two countries.

The trip is Straw's fourth to the Islamic Republic in less than two years, but first in the post-Iraq war era.

Contrary to Iran-U.S. ties, Tehran-London relations have improved despite all their ups and downs.

Assefi said Iran is ready to sign the additional protocol, but other signatories to the NPT must fulfill their obligations towards the non-nuclear signatories to the NPT.

“What will happen after we sign the additional protocol?” he asked. Tehran needs some assurances about the cooperation of other members in lifting the sanctions and transferring technology to Iran for its nuclear program which are only for peaceful purposes.

MS/SM

END

MNA