By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has downplayed the ongoing talks between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), insisting that Tehran’s compliance with Security Council resolutions regarding its suspicious nuclear file is “the core” of addressing the issue.
“I know that there was an agreement between the IAEA and Iran on the future work plans on this. I know that there are some different understandings or expectations. What is important at this time is that, in addition to what IAEA has been negotiating and discussing with the Iranian government, the Iranian government should fully comply with the Security Council Resolutions … that is the core and most important part in addressing this issue,” Ban told reporters Monday in answer to a question as he entered the building after a visit to Sudan and Libya regarding the Darfur issue.
IAEA Chief Mohammed El-Baradei earlier Monday urged Tehran to take measures well beyond a limited plan for atomic transparency in order to remove distrust of its nuclear intentions.
The council imposed two sets of sanctions on Iran in December and in May for ignoring UN demands to halt uranium enrichment activities.