The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said Saturday he was hopeful Tehran would give his inspectors greater access to its nuclear facilities because Iran has to reassure the world it is not building atomic bombs.
Mohamed ElBaradei travels to Tehran on Wednesday seeking clarification from the Iranian government about suspicions it has a secret weapons scheme.
"I am going there to make sure that we hopefully get clarification on all outstanding issues surrounding Iran's program," ElBaradei said on the sidelines of a weapons conference, AP reported. "And I will be urging Iran to sign that protocol."
ElBaradei also has urged Tehran to let monitors take environmental samples at a location where it allegedly has enriched uranium.
"That protocol is important because it allows us more comprehensive verification," ElBaradei said. "In a country like Iran, with an extensive nuclear program, it is important that we are able to provide comprehensive assurances, in-depth verification to the international community." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
