BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- An upcoming meeting of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to focus on a latest
report on the Iranian nuclear issue, which struck a tougher tone than before.
The report, prepared by IAEA Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei, was submitted last week to the United Nations Security Council and
the IAEA Board of Governors, which will start a five-day meeting in Vienna
Monday.
According to media reports in Vienna, the draft
report expressed "serious concern" over Iran's nuclear program, saying Tehran
was hiding information about alleged studies into making nuclear warheads as
well as defying UN demands to suspend uranium enrichment activities.
International Atomic Energy Agency
Mohamed ElBaradei makes a speech during a celebration ceremony at Vienna's
UN headquarters April 25, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
TOUGHER
TONE
In the report, which was released last Monday,
ElBaradei said Iran still has to provide explanations to support its claim that
allegations about nuclear weapons-related projects are false.
The report also noted that Teheran is continuing to
develop its uranium enrichment capability, ignoring the UN Security Council's
demands for suspension of its nuclear program.
Iran's alleged studies regarding uranium conversion,
high explosives testing and design of a missile re-entry vehicle remained a
"matter of serious concern," said the report.
It was "essential" that Iran provide the UN nuclear
watchdog with more information without delay, the report added.
Diplomats in Vienna said the tone of the IAEA report
was unusually tough and reflected deep frustration at Iran's lack of
cooperation.
Iran's possession of nuclear warhead diagrams was "alarming," IAEA Deputy Director General Olli Heinonen told board members three days after the report's release.
