Azerbaijan, Baku, April 17 / Trend , D.Ibrahimova/
Iranian Ambassador to IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh spoke with Trend Persian Desk in an exclusive interview.
Trend : Despite international sanctions, on the National Nuclear Technology Day, Iran divulged its achievements in nuclear field, including increasing number of centrifuges to 7,000 at the Natanz Nuclear Power Plant, as well as trailing two new types of centrifuges. How do you assess influence of international economic sanctions on development of the Iranian nuclear program and which message informs world community about Iran's achievements?
Ali Asghar Soltanieh: Iran's development informs other developing countries about that: even despite the imposed sanctions, the country can continue its development and can stand on its own two feet. This is a too important message. The West must understand that we [Iran] cannot accept illogical sanctions in the 21st century. Every country has the right to acquire new technology in all fields - either nuclear technology or other field of development. Sanctions cannot be hindrance in the way of well-grounded development.
Q: But some western countries worry that Iran does not observe international obligations...
A: We always fulfilled our obligations as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and we want other countries to fulfill them, as well. By knowing our obligations at international level, we, in turn, cannot refuse from the right to acquire nuclear technology. We will openly continue to develop nuclear program in line with the point 4 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT) and international legislation.
The West had to understand that it should change its behavior toward Iran. It should not be denied that Iran is powerful enough to acquire nuclear technology and our country always will cooperate with the IAEA.
Q: Some Western officials have argued that, despite five rounds of talks between Iran and the West, not all issues were resolved. Can I say that Iran is trying to avoid negotiations with the West?
A: This is not true. At a time when I still was not Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, I worked closely with the IAEA, and I can say what a great number of checks were carried out in Iran's nuclear objects. The IAEA has never carried out such a number of checks.
IAEA's reports are published on the official website of the agency, and reports over the last six years show that the Iranian nuclear program is not intended military targets.
IAEA Director General Mohammad Al Baradei said in all the reports that Iran's nuclear program does not go beyond permissible limits. According to Baradei, Iran is interested in continuing cooperation with IAEA
Q: Mohammed al-Baradei, in fact, did not say that Iran develops its nuclear program deviating from the allowed rate in his reports. At the same time, he repeatedly spoke of distrust towards Iran's nuclear program. What items in the Iranian nuclear program remain to be solved?
A: Some media releases incorect information and unfounded criticisms that are directed by some countries, in particular, the United States against Iran.
The main topic of discussions is exactly those unsubstantiated accusations and political scandals arrange around those accusations. But, fortunately, all the charges, which were presented to Iran by the United States, have been investigated by the IAEA, and disputed points were clarified.
We responded to all controversial technical issues related to nuclear programs in the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT) and the IAEA laws. All accusations against Iran were a political atmosphere created by the United States. On the other hand, the IAEA has repeatedly been subjected to pressure by the United States and some Western countries.
Q: It is also possible to see from the speeches of the Western officials that they have doubts regarding Iran's uranium enrichment program.
A: Until now, we were accused of that the substances produced in nuclear plants in Natanz and Isfahan may be used to produce nuclear weapons. But during the celebration of the National Nuclear Day in Iran, the Western countries learned about the new progress made in the country in the nuclear field. Opening a fuel manufacturing plant in Isfahan, we demonstrated that we use nuclear technology only to create nuclear reactors. We will use these reactors for Arak power station. And the substances produced at the station in Natanz, after enrichment will be used at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Opening the fuel manufacturing plant in Isfahan once again testifies that the Iranian nuclear program is peaceful. Currently the suspension of Iranian uranium enrichment program can not be topic of discussions.
Q: You mentioned the National Nuclear Day of Iran. During the celebration, Iranian President mentioned the testing of two new types of centrifuges. These centrifuges are an advanced version of centrifuges P-1 or P-2 (Pakistan - 1, Pakistan - 2) or a new generation of centrifuges?
A: Previous centrifuges are not centrifuges of Pakistan class - they are "Persian" class (P-1, P-2 or IR-1, IR-2). And Ahmadinejad said that the new centrifuges are called as IR-4, and information about its characteristics has been presented to the IAEA. But I can not provide information regarding the technical characteristics of the new centrifuges.
In general, I can say that the new generation of centrifuges is more workable than previous types of centrifuges. These centrifuges will work at Iran's nuclear facilities under IAEA observation cameras, like the previous ones. We reached an agreement with the IAEA on this issue, all achievements of Iran are under international supervision.
Q: Have the attitude of IAEA towards the nuclear program of Iran changed?
A: We have not seen changes on this issue by the United States, but within the IAEA there are changes for several reasons. Firstly, Iran and the IAEA continue co-operation. Secondly, Iran has achieved advancements in the field of nuclear technology and thirdly, Iran has answered the questions worrying the IAEA.
I feel that currently the atmosphere is favorable, there are no problems, the Iranian nuclear program is not discussed. The meetings of the IAEA mainly discuss the future development and future activities. In general, the controversy over Iran's nuclear program had been completed.
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