New Framework Needed, If IAEA Has Extra Expectations : Araqchi

Tehran, June 19, IRNA – If the UN nuclear watchdog has new expectations from Iran beyond its obligations then a new framework will be needed, Foreign Ministry spokesman abbas Araqchi said Tuesday. Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference, he said talks were underway on a possible new framework. Araqchi made the remarks while commenting on a recent statement by Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano who had said in a recent visit to Russia that Iran was not properly cooperating with the IAEA. ˈWe expect Mr. Amano, an expert in charge of a technical nuclear body, to avoid politicized attitudesˈ Araqchi stressed. Reiterating Tehranˈs commitment to its obligations upon the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its Safeguards Agreements, the diplomat said Iran is to continue cooperation with the IAEA in the future. Araqchi said it is the IAEA chief who should answer that why Iran-IAEA talks have had no progress so far. He stressed that Tehran has already proved its seriousness and good-will during bilateral talks. As for the time of the next round of talks between Iranian and the IAEA officials, Araqchi said ˈNo new date has been set yet.ˈ Previous media reports claimed that the two sides agreed to resume talks in autumn. However, Araqchi voiced Tehranˈs readiness to continue its talks with the IAEA./end