The boss of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossicondemned this Saturday the “disproportionate and without precedents“adopted by Iran to the prohibit access of UN inspectors to its atomic facilities, a decision that calls into question the supervision work of international technicians. The Iranian decision comes after the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany this week demanded Tehran in the IAEA Board of Governors to immediately cooperate with the UN body on issues such as the remains of uranium found in several undeclared facilities.
Grossi made it clear, however, that he believed Iran had overreacted. “I strongly condemn this disproportionate and unprecedented unilateral measure “which affects the normal planning and verification activities carried out by the agency in Iran and openly contradicts the cooperation that should exist between the two parties,” he said in a statement.
Iran accuses its rivals of politicizing the IAEA
Iran has resorted to “dessignation” of inspectors to veto access, a remedy contemplated by IAEA rules. Member States can generally veto inspectors assigned to visit their nuclear facilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). But the IAEA said Tehran’s decision went beyond normal practice. “These inspectors are among the Most experienced agency experts and with unique expertise in enrichment technology,” the agency said. “With today’s decision, Iran has effectively eliminated around one third of the core group of inspectors most experienced agency appointees to Iran.
Iran defended its measure and accused the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany of politicize the organization control of the IAEA. “Unfortunately, despite Iran’s positive, constructive and continued interaction with the agency, the three European countries and USA abused the (IAEA) Board of Governors for their own political purposes,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, to state media. “Of course, Iran will continue its positive cooperation within the framework of the agreements that have been reached and will emphasize the need for the agency’s neutrality,” he added.
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A Vienna-based diplomat said Iran had withdrawn authorization for all French and German members of the IAEA inspection team, which no longer included American or British inspectors.
“This measure, although formally permitted by the NPT Safeguards Agreement, has been exercised by Iran in a manner that directly and severely affects the IAEA’s ability to effectively carry out its inspections in Iran,” the IAEA said. . Grossi added: “I call on the Iranian government to reconsider its decision and return to the path of cooperation with the agency.”