Syria/Iran

UN nuclear chief calls for full disclosure from Iran

Article published on the 2008-06-02 Latest update 2008-06-02 13:11 TU

Mohammed ElBaradei before the meeting
(Photo: Reuters)

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohammed ElBaradei, demanded 'full disclosure' from Iran on its nuclear programme in his opening address to the 35-member board of governors. He also announced he was sending experts to Syria at the end of June to investigate an alleged secret nuclear reactor.

ElBaradei said that the IAEA has spent five years trying to clear up allegations that Iran has been hiding key information about a possible military dimension to their nuclear programme.

While Iran initially did not comply with the IAEA, it has been cooperative recently.

"However, Iran has not yet agreed to implement all the transparency measures required to clarify this cluster of allegations and questions," ElBaradei said, adding that the agency had not been given access to documents to clarify further questions.

According to information held by the IAEA, Iran may have additional information about high explosives testing and missile-related activities.

In addition, ElBaradei said that he is treating similar allegations about Syria "with the seriousness it deserves" and will be sending a team of experts to the country from 22 to 24 June to investigate an alleged plan to build a secret nuclear facility.

In April, the IAEA received information claiming that an installation destroyed by Israel the previous September was a nuclear reactor.

ElBaradei rebuked Israel without naming the country directly, saying that it was "deeply regrettable that information concerning this installation was not provided to the agency in a timely manner and that force was resorted to unilaterally before the agency was given an opportunity to establish the facts."