IAEA report "poisoned" atmosphere, Iran envoy says

The latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Iran has hurt the chances of improving cooperation with the agency, Tehran's envoy in Vienna said Friday, dpa reported.

Iranian Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh told reporters that his country had offered the IAEA to talk about allegations that his country was conducting nuclear weapons research and development.

"We need a calm, conducive environment for cooperation and trustful work," Soltanieh said. "Everything unfortunately is jeopardized, and the environment is poisoned."

The IAEA said in its report this week that Iran since 2008 has refused to answer questions about the alleged weapons studies and described indications from various sources that Iran had carried out such work.

In a briefing by the IAEA for diplomats, Soltanieh said the evidence was fabricated, according to participants in the meeting.

Western countries are seeking to condemn Iran in a resolution when the IAEA governing board meets starting Thursday.

Russia and China share Iran's view that the report and any punitive action damage the chances for dialogue with Iran.


/Trend/