The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog is warning Iran's nuclear program remains a danger to world security. But Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, also says there is no alternative to dialogue between Tehran and the IAEA plus credible inspections, the Financial Times reported Friday. | It's the "credible inspections" part that is the sticking point |
"I hope that in discussions everyone puts their cards on the table. This is not just a technical issue, it's a security issue. If you have nuclear material, the weapon part is not far away." | Are you sure this is ElBaradei talking? |
ElBaradei's comments come before next week's first round of talks between Tehran and three European governments -- Britain, France and Germany -- on nuclear, economic and security co-operation. The so-called EU3 persuaded Iran last month to suspend uranium enrichment in return for dialogue. But Tehran's Islamic rulers consider the suspension of enrichment, which they say is for peaceful use, temporary; the EU3 wants it to be permanent. "Iran tried to cheat the system. Now they would have second thoughts ... because we've called their bluff," ElBaradei said. | You have? Sorry, I must have missed that part. |
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