DAR AL ISLAM - IRAN: FURTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY IRAN ON I.A.E.A. INSPECTORS

U.N. WATCHDOG CHIEF SLAMS TEHRAN'S RESTRICTIONS ON INSPECTIONS

Vienna, 11 June (AKI) - Iran has imposed further restrictions on inspections by the UN atomic watchdog, its chief Mohamed ElBaradei told a meeting of the 35-member board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on Monday. ElBaradei said the "additional restrictions and limitations" on inspections had further decreased the watchdog's knowledge of Iran's atomic progress, citing a recent refusal to allow a more in-depth investigation of a heavy water reactor in Arak, central Iran.

"At this stage, I am increasingly disturbed by the current stalemate and the brewing confrontation, a stalemate that urgently needs to be broken and a confrontation that must be defused," ElBaradei said.

The new session of the IAEA board of governors opened to discuss ways to increase pressure on Tehran to halt sensitive nuclear work the international community fears is aimed at building atomic weapons.

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Pertinent Links:

1) U.N. WATCHDOG CHIEF SLAMS TEHRAN'S RESTRICTIONS ON INSPECTIONS