UN watchdog fears nuclear stand-off
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency said today he was concerned that UN sanctions on Iran could escalate the stand-off with Western powers over its nuclear programme.
Mohamed ElBaradei, speaking in Paris, called for a resumption of negotiations with Tehran.
Asked about the possibility of France sending an envoy for discussions, he said: “I would support any effort by any side to engage Iran.
“My worry right now is that each side is sticking to its guns,” said ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“We need someone to reach out.”
ElBaradei, who was to meet later today with France’s foreign minister, said he disagreed with the idea that dialogue should be used to reward Iran for good behaviour.
He said he was concerned about how the crisis might develop following the UN Security Council’s imposition of limited sanctions in December.
“Sanctions in my view could lead to escalation on both sides,” he said.
France says it is mulling the possibility of sending an envoy to Tehran for discussions that would focus on regional issues.
