UN: All problems with Iran's nuclear program should be resolved peacefully

"All the UN Security Council's resolutions adopted in regard to Iran were aimed to peacefully resolve the Iranian nuclear program," he said. "All problems must be solved peacefully through dialogue, for which there must be a serious talk on the proposals of the IAEA."

He also added that the IAEA is still unable to confirm the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.

"So far, the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program was not confirmed and Iran have to prove the peaceful orientation of its nuclear developments," he said.

The United States and other western countries have accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons for military purposes under the guise of a peaceful nuclear energy program. Tehran denies the charges, saying that its nuclear program is aimed solely at meeting the country's electricity needs. The U.N. Security Council adopted five resolutions in connection with the suspension of Iran's nuclear program. Three involve the use of economic sanctions on Iran.

"The Iranian authorities must fully comply with the IAEA requirements," he added.  

Regarding the proposal to enrich uranium in Russia and France, the UN secretary-general noted that "this proposal merits serious consideration."

"While progress in this matter is not observed, which can cause concern," he said." The IAEA has made a proposal and the Iranians should seriously consider them."

In October 2009, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and "six international mediators on Iran" (Russia, the U.S., China, Britain, France and Germany) offered Tehran to exchange low-enriched uranium to high-enriched uranium. Iran has not rejected the proposal, but the parties failed to agree on a fuel exchange. The Tehran laboratory reactor was built 40 years ago by the United States and its main function is to produce medicine.

The initiatives included that Iran will transfer 1.2 tons (70% of the total) low-enriched uranium accumulated at the Natanz plant to Russia. Further, Russia will enrich the uranium to 20 percent and send to Tehran. Subsequently, however, Iran has demanded to conduct the exchange simultaneously and within the country.


/Trend News/