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Grossi: IAEA inspections should not be used as bargaining chip

Monday, 01 March 2021 9:06 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 01 March 2021 9:06 PM ]

Homa Lezgee
Press TV, Vienna

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors convenes a virtual meeting with reports that Britain, France and Germany are circulating a draft resolution to criticize Iran for restricting Agency access.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reached a temporary bilateral understanding with Iran over a week ago, allowing the Agency to continue verification work in the country for up to 90 days.

Grossi said the understanding was meant to provide a window of opportunity for political talks to get underway amid attempts to revive the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA. The possibility of a Board resolution however, is further complicating the situation.

Grossi appealed for constructive discussions that would preserve the work of the Agency.

Iran has warned of countermeasures if the Board passes the resolution, and says it is cooperating with the Agency over questions about the presence of uranium particles at two undeclared sites.

Grossi reiterated the IAEA would remain impartial, avoid judging intentions or issuing condemnations.

It’s still unclear if the Board will adopt the Western-basked resolution but Russia has already made it clear it will oppose it.

In a note to other member states, Russia warned that the adoption of the resolution would hugely complicate efforts to revive- the nuclear deal and undermine normal cooperation between Iran and the Agency.

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