Iran blocked UN inspectors on test visit to nuclear site

[Eugene]

Source: Agence France-Presse

Iran blocked UN inspectors on test visit to nuclear site

by Michael Adler
Thu May 10, 4:23 PM ET

VIENNA (AFP) - Iran blocked UN atomic experts on a first unannounced
test inspection of an underground nuclear site where it enriches uranium,
despite a pledge to allow such visits, diplomats told AFP Thursday.

The watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency had in March told
Iran to allow its inspectors to install surveillance cameras at the site in
Natanz but Tehran refused this and in return agreed to allow frequent,
unannounced visits.

A first test on April 21 of the agreement "was a total failure," said a
diplomat in Vienna, home to the IAEA, who added that a successful
unannounced inspection has not yet taken place.

At stake is Iranian compliance with inspections by the IAEA, the
verification arm of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the world's
basic agreement against the spread of atomic weapons.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070510/wl_afp/irannuclearpoliticsiaea_070510202221

[MADem]

1. Well, that's not very promising, is it?

A negative IAEA report could lead to a third round of sanctions against Iran.

"The Iranians did not let the IAEA inspectors into the halls where the cascades of centrifuges are," the diplomat said about inspections at Natanz, referring to the production lines of centrifuges which enrich uranium.

"So they couldn't get details of what is going on there," the diplomat said.

Problems with inspections were confirmed by two other envoys in Vienna.

[dave_p]

3. It's only to be expected

The arrangements will take time to finalize on the ground. The IAEA doesn't panic at a spot of obstruction, it's used to it. It's no big deal at this stage.

[David__77]

2. Iran is becoming quite an economic and political power.

It's the vanguard of a Shia rising against the traditional Sunni rulers in the region. I think the consequences of US aggression are much, much greater than those of the war against Iraq.

[dave_p]

4. Thanks to BushCo!

It's a staggering record of geopolitical incompetence.

First they take out Iran's Taliban enemy in Kabul and install a regime on good terms with Tehran.

Then they invade Iraq, overthrow another old enemy of Iran, and allow pro-Iran Shia politicians to take over the government.

On the same day as the invasion, US, European & Israeli pressure forces President Arafat to cede day-to-day running of the government to a prime minister representing the leading party in the Palestinian assembly. Then the lack of progress on Palestine's status makes Iran's ally Hamas the leading party.

Next, US pressure on Syria drives that country too into Iran's arms.

Finally, Israel's blitz on Lebanon kills 1000 while Washington blocks a UN ceasefire Resolution, and rallies Lebanese to local Iranian-Syrian ally Hezbollah as the country's sole defender.

The extent to which US policy since 2001 has raised Iran from global outcast to fledgling regional superpower is breathtaking. The White House could hardly have done a better job if that had been the aim of its actions.

And Iran's barely needed to lift a finger to make this happen. All the more reason not to assume it's planning Armageddon.

[Tempest]

5. Wasn't Iran's offer dependent upon the U.N. sanctions resolution?

And since the resolution passed, Iran's offer wouldn't be valid.

[TexasLawyer]

6. UN watchdog (IAEA) denies Iran blocked nuke visit

Source: Reuters

Saturday, May 12, 2007. 7:00am (AEST)

UN watchdog denies Iran blocked nuke visit

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog has denied a report that Iran blocked its inspectors from visiting a nuclear facility where it is enriching uranium. "There is no truth to media reports claiming that the IAEA was not able to get access to Natanz," said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spokesman Marc Vidricaire.

"We have not been denied access at any time, including in the past few weeks. Normally we do not comment on such reports but this time we felt we had to clarify the matter," he said. "If we had a problem like that we would have to report to the (35-nation IAEA governing) board ... That has not happened because this alleged event did not take place."

Iran's ambassador to the IAEA also denied yesterday's reports, which were attributed to an unnamed diplomat in Vienna, home to the IAEA.

Last year, Iran held up some inspection visits to Natanz, but access was eventually restored, diplomats familiar with IAEA operations said at the time. Iran says it seeks only nuclear-generated electricity, not atomic weapons as some Western countries suspect.

<snip>

Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200705/s1921160.htm

[TexasLawyer]

7. Here's the report that is being denied by the IAEA

no retraction yet.... I hope AFP doesn't seek out any more scoops from these "diplomats" any time soon.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070510/wl_afp/irannuclearpoliticsiaea_070510202221

Iran blocked UN inspectors on test visit to nuclear site

by Michael Adler Thu May 10, 4:23 PM ET

VIENNA (AFP) -
Iran blocked UN atomic experts on a first unannounced test inspection of an underground nuclear site where it enriches uranium, despite a pledge to allow such visits, diplomats told AFP Thursday.

<snip>

"The Iranians did not let the IAEA inspectors into the halls where the cascades of centrifuges are," the diplomat said about inspections at Natanz, referring to the production lines of centrifuges which enrich uranium.

"So they couldn't get details of what is going on there," the diplomat said.

Problems with inspections were confirmed by two other envoys in Vienna.

[Amonester]

8. Agence FRANCE Presse? Sarkozi (** "pal")???

Heck of a job, Sarko... /Sarkasm

[conspirator]

9. Iran doesnt have anything to loose. Iraq didnt have WMDs and was raped anyway. nt