A Q Khan vital to solve Iran nuclear puzzle: El Baradei

PakTribune:

Though Pakistan is cooperating in resolving the issue of the clandestine proliferation of nuclear technology which was masterminded by the disgraced father of Pakistan's nuclear programme A Q Khan, a direct dialogue with the scientist would prove to be of immense help in solving the complete "puzzle", IAEA Director Mohamed El Baradei.

"Obviously we would like to see Mr A Q Khan directly and talk to him ... I hope we should be able to get direct contact with him just to make sure we know everything there is to know about this network," Mr Baradei said in an interview to NDTV on Friday. READ MORE

On a question about the Iran nuclear issue, the Nobel laureate, said Iran has to assure the international community that its nuclear programme is not meant for developing weapons. They have to show complete transparency in this regard. He expressed hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully through negotiations. "The Iranians need to be fully transparent. But I hope that there will be a solution to the issue," the IAEA chief said.

Describing the situation as extremely sensitive, he said Iran, being in the heart of West Asia, lies in "not the most friendly neighbourhood", and there is every chance of escalation of the situation if "pressure" was applied. "Iran is in the heart of West Asia; West Asia is not the most friendly neighbourhood, so any complication or escalation of the situation will have major consequences, not only for Iran for the entire region," Mr Baradei pointed out.

Commenting on the strategic civilian nuclear cooperation deal between India and the US, the UN nuclear watchdog chief said, it is a "very good" deal and its time has come. "Personally I think it's a very good deal. It's a deal whose time has come," he said.

Mr Baradei said that he would like to see India under the non-proliferation or the arms control regime. He hoped that India would apply enough safeguards to its civilian facilities. "I don't like India to be outside the non-proliferation or the arms control regime ... India is going to apply safeguards to its civilian facilities which is really important for a man, who is incharge of the safeguards," the IAEA chief said.