IAEA refuses EU request over Iran

UN nuclear watchdog Mohamed ElBaradei, the has blocked EU moves to step up pressure on Tehran over Iran’s atomic programme.

On Thursday ElBaradei said Iran should be given until the end of next month to give International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors improved access to documents and sites.

Only then would the UN nuclear monitor be prepared to declare his investigation could go no further.

“ElBaradei has refused because he believes in due process,” one official told reporters. “He has said that the next report will be for the [regular] March 6 board and he can’t just advance that report.”

As the IAEA prepares to meet in extraordinary session next month, the EU3 had hoped it’s Nobel prize winning chief would strongly condemn Tehran’s nuclear programme. 

Britain, France and Germany fear his rebuttal of their request will weaken efforts for a speedy referral of Iran to the UN security council.

The UN nuclear agency’s decision comes as Iran steps up its diplomatic efforts, last Sunday ElBaradei met Tehran’s chief negotiator Ali Larijani who is said to have asked for more time.

The EU3 say they are confident of winning a majority of votes to send Iran to the security council.

But they know that with a thin majority, the momentum for censuring could be slowed down.

US and European officials are continuing discussions with Russia and China to try to secure their agreement for a referral.

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