CANBERRA, Dec. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has dismissed the speculation that he would head up the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Alexander Downer (L) listens to Mohamed ElBaradei (R), chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at a press conference in Sydney last month. (AFP/File£©

    Downer, who is in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to attend the 16th Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum, told reporters that he was happy in his present position as Australia's foreign minister and as MP for his local South Australian electorate of Mayo.

    "In the way the media has reported this is right that I've not taken up the opportunity to demonstrate a great deal of interest in this job, I'm very happy with the job I've got," Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio quoted him as saying Wednesday.

    "I'm the Foreign Minister of Australia, and a member for Mayo, and I'm happy with what I've been doing and I've only just been re-elected," he said.

    It was reported earlier this week that US officials sounded out Downer several months ago, asking him to consider standing as a replacement for the outgoing IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei.

    US Ambassador Tom Schieffer said on Wednesday that he played no role in the US approach to Downer to head up the IAEA. Enditem