Iran hopes to improve position by next IAEA session

RIA Novosti:

Following talks with Syrian leaders Tuesday, Iran's foreign minister said the country would be in a better position by the upcoming IAEA session on its disputed nuclear program.

"We will be in a far better position at the November session of the IAEA Board of Governors than we were in at the international organization's September session on Iran," Manouchehr Mottaki said.

Mottaki cited several factors that have boosted Iran's position: Iran has been cooperative with UN nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran's nuclear facilities recently passed inspections, and the country has held a series of useful meetings with IAEA senior officials.

Mottaki suggested, however, that the United States might "launch a new campaign against Iran before the session begins." READ MORE

The minister said Syria, which recently joined the organization's board of governors, supported "Iran's legitimate right to have peaceful nuclear technology" and would side with Iran at the session.

Iran's nuclear program has long been an issue for debate, with Iran claiming it enriches uranium to generate energy and not to develop nuclear weapons, a position that is supported by Russia.

The IAEA passed a resolution proposed by the EU troika (Britain, France, and Germany) that recommended Iran's "nuclear file" be handed over to the UN Security Council, where sanctions might ensue.

The resolution, which passed with 22 votes of the 35-member board, urges Iran to end uranium enrichment and give up plans to develop a complete nuclear fuel cycle. Twelve board members, including Russia and China, abstained, and Venezuela voted against the resolution.