By IRNA,
Tehran : The UN nuclear watchdog’s top investigator, Olli Heinonen, has arrived here to hold talks with Iranian officials on the country’s peaceful nuclear programme.
Upon arrival at the Imam Khomeini International Airport early Monday, he was welcomed by Iranian Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali-Asghar Soltanieh.
IAEA Director for Regional Safeguards Operations Herman Nackaerts is accompanying Heinonen on his two-day visit to the Islamic Republic.
The objective of Heinonen’s visit is to discuss “the progress of Iran-IAEA cooperation”, an official told IRNA.
He did not reject the question that discussion may focus on the “alleged studies”.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the alleged studies is a closed issue on which Tehran has provided the IAEA with data,” he said.
“Holding the discussion is an indication of Tehran’s goodwill and proves the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities,” he added.
He said that the IAEA inspectors and an Iranian team headed by Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council for International Affairs Javad Vaeedi will discuss the current state of affairs.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said on Sunday that Heinonen’s visit to Iran will be an ordinary visit taking place within the framework of Iran-IAEA cooperation.
Iran was given a clean bill of health from the UN nuclear agency on Feb 22.