Discussions With Iran Were Positive - IAEA Official

Jun 22, 05:36 PM

Current Headlines: Text of report by Iranian radio on 22 June

[Presenter] Talks between Secretary of Iran's National Security Council and Mohammad Al-Baradi'i Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded in Vienna tonight. In a press conference following the meeting, Messrs Larijani and Al0Barada'I called the outcome of their discussions positive and said that continued dialogue was the only means of reaching an acceptable resolution to Iran's nuclear file.

Our colleague Mansuri reports form Vienna:

[Mansuri] In this press conference Ali Larijani stressed we made good headway in our discussions with the Director-General of the IAEA and we were able to reach an appropriate framework for cooperation with the Agency. The Secretary of Iran's National Security Council said that based on previous talks with Mr Solana it was necessary to hold discussions with Mr. Al-Baradi'i adding one part is working together with the Agency which should be said that Iran has always considered the Agency to be a professional atomic organisation. Ali Larijani added that Iran since the beginning Iran opposed that Iran's file should be taken from this specialized assembly to the Security Council and we hope that in the near future we might be able to return to an acceptable direction. He stressed that the Agency's Director-General plays an important role in this process.

During the joint press conference, the Director-General of the IAEA stressed that the dialogue with Mr Larijani was beneficial. Mohammad Al-Baradi'i said that there was a good exchange of views and said that they hoped to agree on a work plan in the weeks to come. He said that the two discussed the basis for determining priorities and outstanding issues. Al-Baradi'i said that they were desirous of increased cooperation between Iran and the Agency. The Director-General said that the atmosphere during the talks with Larijani was a positive one and added that in his opinion the Iran issue must only be resolved through negotiations.

In response to a question from a member of the media, the Secretary of our nation's National Security Council said that the point that the Director-General of the Agency raised in response to a question was extremely subtle, astute diplomacy cannot live in the past, we must bring ourselves in line with realities and the reality is that Iran has reached enrichment capabilities. Mr Larijani made reference to some western countries saying that such strong behaviour with regards to a country whose scientist have reached such a level is unjust.

Special correspondent of the Voice and Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Vienna.

[Presenter] I should add here that Mr Larijani will meet later today with the EU foreign relations representative in Lisbon.

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