Iran bars 38 U.N. IAEA nuclear inspectors

[Logan13]

Iran bars 38 U.N. IAEA nuclear inspectors
01/22/07
Reuters
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran has barred entry to 38 inspectors from the watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency after hardliners demanded retaliation for U.N. sanctions imposed on Tehran last month, officials said on Monday.

The IAEA confirmed Iranian word of the ban but said this would not handicap its monitoring of a plant where Iran plans soon to expand from experimental into industrial-scale output of nuclear fuel in defiance of a U.N. Security Council resolution.

Iran's ISNA news agency said the move was a "first step" in limiting cooperation with the IAEA in line with a demand made by the hardline parliament after the Council agreed the sanctions.

The West accuses Iran of seeking to build atom bombs under the cover of a professed civilian nuclear energy program, while Tehran insists it aims solely to generate electricity.

"Iran has decided not to give entry permission to 38 inspectors from the IAEA and has announced this limitation to the IAEA officially," the head of parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Security Commission, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, said.

"The nationality of those who were barred is not the main basis for us," he told ISNA, without elaborating.

Iranian government officials were not available for comment. They had said earlier Tehran would continue basic cooperation with IAEA inspections and had no intention of quitting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) over the new sanctions
"We are discussing with Iran its request for withdrawing the designation of certain safeguards inspectors," the IAEA said in a short statement issued by its Vienna headquarters.

INSPECTIONS INTACT, IAEA SAYS

"It should be noted however, that there are a sufficient number of inspectors designated for Iran and the IAEA is able to perform its inspection activities in accordance with Iran's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement," it said.

"There may be some thought in Iran that this (ban) could be one of the things they could do that wouldn't really harm the inspection effort but still look dramatic and hardline (for domestic consumption)," said a diplomat familiar with the case.

IAEA inspectors carry out regular checks of Iran's atomic sites to try to verify it is not diverting materials into bomb production in violation of the NPT.

In Washington, White House spokesman Tony Snow said Iran could only benefit from abandoning its nuclear program.

"If the Iranians want peaceful civil nuclear power, we are perfectly happy to be able to provide it and in the process also to provide some of the other things that the Iranian people want and deserve," he told reporters.

The IAEA has more than 200 inspectors in its Iran pool. Many carry out jobs in Iran periodically in addition to work in other countries, with a smaller number assigned solely to Iran
A diplomat versed in IAEA operations in Iran said only a few of the banned inspectors were believed to be Iran specialists who help prepare sensitive reports on Iranian nuclear activity for the agency's 35-nation board of governors.

The Security Council resolution requires the IAEA to issue such a report by February 21 to attest whether Iran has suspended uranium enrichment. If it has not, tougher sanctions would loom.

IAEA officials declined to give the nationalities of the barred inspectors, citing confidentiality rules. But one official said the IAEA was in touch with Tehran on possible replacements for those on the blacklist.

Iran has a legal right to reject any inspector it wants since such a step is not prohibited by its safeguards accord.

The U.N. sanctions imposed on December 23 ban transfers of sensitive materials and know-how to Iran's nuclear and missile programs over its refusal to stop enriching uranium, a process that can yield fuel for power stations or material for bombs.

In response, Iran's parliament passed a bill obliging the government to revise its cooperation level with the IAEA.

[Kärnfysikern]

Now the world has to flex and show them this is totaly unacceptable.

[Logan13]

Now the world has to flex and show them this is totaly unacceptable.

Yes, by drafting 17 resolutions........this is the only "muscle" that the UN will flex, unfortunately!

[Kärnfysikern]

They should atleast get hit with some very heavy sanctions that hurts. Since not even russia seems to support Iran anymore maby it would be possible.

[mcpeepants]

tough sanctions are not going to hurt the govt. they will hurt the Iranian people though and they'll become more dependent on the government for supplies (depends what your sanctioning). I hope the UN does follow as sheep as Bush prepares the Iranian sequel to Iraq. Direct talks are the way to go and the one thing Bush doesn't want to do.

[singern]

Ahmenajad has stated his ultimate goals loud and clear, there is no misinterpretation as some would like to spin it.

I dont see what there is to talk about. He needs to go. Period.

[Kärnfysikern]

tough sanctions are not going to hurt the govt. they will hurt the Iranian people though and they'll become more dependent on the government for supplies (depends what your sanctioning). I hope the UN does follow as sheep as Bush prepares the Iranian sequel to Iraq. Direct talks are the way to go and the one thing Bush doesn't want to do.

Well Ahmenajad has shown that he doesnt care about talks. If there are anymore talks they should be with Khamenei.

When is the next election in Iran? Is it 2009?

I know the sanctions would not hurt the leaders personaly. But when you have (presumably)important people like Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri critizising ahmenajad openly I guess sanctions would enable those people to get more support and the nutcases to be forced to step down.

[mcpeepants]

Well Ahmenajad has shown that he doesnt care about talks. If there are anymore talks they should be with Khamenei.

When is the next election in Iran? Is it 2009?

I know the sanctions would not hurt the leaders personaly. But when you have (presumably)important people like Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri critizising ahmenajad openly I guess sanctions would enable those people to get more support and the nutcases to be forced to step down.

Iran has offered directs talks several times. The US has brushed them aside. The Baker-Hamilton commision recommended starting dialogue with Iran and Syria. Instead Bush has been sending career groups, subs, minesweepers, and patriots missles in the Persian Conflict. I mean one the US hubs hit a Japanese oil tanker***. The doesn't seem like a government that wants talks.

***http://www.boston.com/news/world/asi...hip_collision/

I think the 2009 is the next Iranian presidential election. I doubt sanction would help him if applied. Also depends on what type of sanctions your talking about. The last time a moderate was in power, President Khamenei, the US refused to negotiate with him.

[Kärnfysikern]

Iran has offered directs talks several times. The US has brushed them aside. The Baker-Hamilton commision recommended starting dialogue with Iran and Syria. Instead Bush has been sending career groups, subs, minesweepers, and patriots missles in the Persian Conflict. I mean one the US hubs hit a Japanese oil tanker***. The doesn't seem like a government that wants talks.

***http://www.boston.com/news/world/asi...hip_collision/

I think the 2009 is the next Iranian presidential election. I doubt sanction would help him if applied. Also depends on what type of sanctions your talking about. The last time a moderate was in power, President Khamenei, the US refused to negotiate with him.

Well everything isnt about the us. The negotiations betwen EU and iran has gone no where. Iran refuses to budge even the slightest little bit. In a negotiation both sides has to be willing to compromise. The eu has offered iran more than it can dream of. All they have to do is stop enrichment.

[singern]

Agreed.
Diplomatic open discussion requires compromise.
If truly all they wanted was peaceful Nuke power, then why not take the Russian deal of enrichment, Why the hurry to mass produce, and build hundreds of centrifuges, why push for conflict with the entire world, and evoke sanctions....

I am pretty sure we know the answers to these questions.

[J.S.N.]

Agreed.
Diplomatic open discussion requires compromise.
If truly all they wanted was peaceful Nuke power, then why not take the Russian deal of enrichment, Why the hurry to mass produce, and build hundreds of centrifuges, why push for conflict with the entire world, and evoke sanctions....

I am pretty sure we know the answers to these questions.

it's because accepting aid creates international debt, which puts them at a power disadvantage.

that is why countries like nigeria and jamaica with tons of natural resources have completely shitty living standards.

[Kärnfysikern]

it's because accepting aid creates international debt, which puts them at a power disadvantage.

that is why countries like nigeria and jamaica with tons of natural resources have completely shitty living standards.

It would not be aid.
They would get all the enrichened uranium they need. AND they would get axess to french nuclear technology.

There is no need to have enrichment capability with such a deal presented to them.

[singern]

it's because accepting aid creates international debt, which puts them at a power disadvantage.

that is why countries like nigeria and jamaica with tons of natural resources have completely shitty living standards.

Then you haven't seen the russian offer, "Russia has made its proposal to Iran for a joint uranium enrichment venture on Russian territory", meaning there would be no debt. the offer was as good as it gets, and as far as anyone could tell the only possible reason to refuse is Iranian goal of a nuke weapon.

[Kärnfysikern]

Add the offer by france to throw in alot of nuclear technology in the mix and the offer was truly to good to turn down.

Its realy hard to think of any reason for them to turn it down. Only two exist.
Stupid national pride or lust for weapons.

[mcpeepants]

Well everything isnt about the us. The negotiations betwen EU and iran has gone no where. Iran refuses to budge even the slightest little bit. In a negotiation both sides has to be willing to compromise. The eu has offered iran more than it can dream of. All they have to do is stop enrichment.

Everything isn't about the US but you can't ignore something like the build of aircraft careers, submarines, and Patriot missiles in the Persian Gulf. Bush administration said that they were still waiting for weapons inspections to do their work in Iraq while they busy sending troops into the gulf to invade Iraq. That's something you can't ignore.

What specifically has the EU offered Iran? Does it include lifting US sanctions? How long would Iran have to stop enrichment? Both sides have to compromise but you want Iran to stop something it's legally allowed to do under the NPT. What the point of the NPT then?

[singern]

Add the offer by france to throw in alot of nuclear technology in the mix and the offer was truly to good to turn down.

Its realy hard to think of any reason for them to turn it down. Only two exist.
Stupid national pride or lust for weapons.

When you listen to Ahmenajad rant about Israels destruction, unified Islamic nation covering the whole middle east, and the way he dismisses his own governments objections, I think you can safely narrow that down to one.

[mcpeepants]

Then you haven't seen the russian offer, "Russia has made its proposal to Iran for a joint uranium enrichment venture on Russian territory", meaning there would be no debt. the offer was as good as it gets, and as far as anyone could tell the only possible reason to refuse is Iranian goal of a nuke weapon.

That's putting your energy security in another countries hands. I think last year Russia cut of gas to Georgia because of politics and maybe Belarus. Russia could use the uranium enrichment as leverage against Iran on negotiations over resource rights in the Caspian sea or in bidding to repair Iran's oil fields or airplanes. I think China recently made a multi-billion dollar offer to repair Iran's oil fields. Maybe Russia wants a piece of that action.

[singern]

That's putting your energy security in another countries hands. I think last year Russia cut of gas to Georgia because of politics and maybe Belarus. Russia could use the uranium enrichment as leverage against Iran on negotiations over resource rights in the Caspian sea or in bidding to repair Iran's oil fields or airplanes. I think China recently made a multi-billion dollar offer to repair Iran's oil fields. Maybe Russia wants a piece of that action.

The deal was to have been observed and mediated by the UN, which covers your fear of a double cross by Russia, and Irans oil is the reason nobody beleives in the urgent need for Nuke energy.

[mcpeepants]

The deal was to have been observed and mediated by the UN, which covers your fear of a double cross by Russia, and Irans oil is the reason nobody beleives in the urgent need for Nuke energy.

Iran's oil refining capabalities aren't that good because of years of sanctions. I think Iran might need to even import oil for domestic use. I read somewhere that Iran's oil fields might dry up in the next 30 years. Therefor there is big insentive for to build nuclear energy and other powers sources since it takes like 10 years or so to build them. Also if they have nuclear energy, they will be able to power the country with it and be able to sell more of their oil. This will be beneficial because as oil becomes more scarce, Iran willl make more money selling it instead of wasting profits by consuming it.

[Kärnfysikern]

When you listen to Ahmenajad rant about Israels destruction, unified Islamic nation covering the whole middle east, and the way he dismisses his own governments objections, I think you can safely narrow that down to one.

The one thing that prevents me from agreeing with you is the fact that Ahmenajad has no power over the nuclear program. Imo what he says isnt realy of any importance when he isnt pulling the strings.

[Kärnfysikern]

The deal was to have been observed and mediated by the UN, which covers your fear of a double cross by Russia, and Irans oil is the reason nobody beleives in the urgent need for Nuke energy.

It is however incredibly stupid for a country to rely on one source of power to much. I can se a real and good reason for them to want nuclear power. Just like austalia is thinking about nuclear power even though they have enough coal to last for ages,

That's putting your energy security in another countries hands. I think last year Russia cut of gas to Georgia because of politics and maybe Belarus. Russia could use the uranium enrichment as leverage against Iran on negotiations over resource rights in the Caspian sea or in bidding to repair Iran's oil fields or airplanes. I think China recently made a multi-billion dollar offer to repair Iran's oil fields. Maybe Russia wants a piece of that action.

When the option is to face beeing politicaly isolated from the entire world obviously going along with the proposal is the better thing to do for the country. And as singer say, it wouldnt be a deal only betwen russia and iran. Alot of other players would be involved so russia wouldnt be able to abuse the deal. If needed they could always switch and buy enrichened uranium from another country if russia tries something funny.

Im sure russia wants some gain from it obviously. But Iran would be the biggest winner since they would get acess to top of the line nuclear technology and be a solid part of the technology sharing programs. By walking this path they have to do everything alone. Trust me there is no chanse they will be able to develop there own nuclear program that is as good as what europe, russia and usa has. Just look how hard india is struggling to pull that off and they have 10 times the scientists and engineers and alot more resources. If it wasnt for that pakistani rouge scientists iran wouldnt even have a centrifuge program.

[Kärnfysikern]

Iran's oil refining capabalities aren't that good because of years of sanctions. I think Iran might need to even import oil for domestic use. I read somewhere that Iran's oil fields might dry up in the next 30 years. Therefor there is big insentive for to build nuclear energy and other powers sources since it takes like 10 years or so to build them. Also if they have nuclear energy, they will be able to power the country with it and be able to sell more of their oil. This will be beneficial because as oil becomes more scarce, Iran willl make more money selling it instead of wasting profits by consuming it.

They wont get anywhere by telling the world to go **** themself. It will take MUCH longer for them to get any nuclear power industry going on there own. If they where looking out for energy security in the long run they would embrace the offer from the EU. If nothing else as a show of goodwill.

I think that Iran should be able to enrichen, every NPT country has that right. But since this is such a sensitive situation fighting the issue is just stupid. Iran needs to show goodwill.

[singern]

It is however incredibly stupid for a country to rely on one source of power to much. I can se a real and good reason for them to want nuclear power. Just like austalia is thinking about nuclear power even though they have enough coal to last for ages,

.

OK, I can go with that, but how do you explain the suspiciously rushed pace at which they are proceeding, and the refusal to accept any internationally offered resolution at a time when sanctions are imposed and world condemnation.
I dont think the Iranian oil is running out this week.

[Kärnfysikern]

OK, I can go with that, but how do you explain the suspiciously rushed pace at which they are proceeding, and the refusal to accept any internationally offered resolution at a time when sanctions are imposed and world condemnation.
I dont think the Iranian oil is running out this week.

No there is no possible reason for this except stupid pride or weapons. But remember they are still years from weapons.

I didnt worry aslong as the IAEA had inspectors there. Now its becoming worrying. Something has to be done to make sure those inspectors are in place again.

Either Iran is playing a stupid game to se if they can milk out more benifits from the west, or ahmajenad has played the thing up so big that everyone would loose face incase they bow to the west or they want weapons.

[singern]

No there is no possible reason for this except stupid pride or weapons. But remember they are still years from weapons.

I didnt worry aslong as the IAEA had inspectors there. Now its becoming worrying. Something has to be done to make sure those inspectors are in place again.

Either Iran is playing a stupid game to se if they can milk out more benifits from the west, or ahmajenad has played the thing up so big that everyone would loose face incase they bow to the west or they want weapons.

Your logic is solid Mr Spok......

[J.S.N.]

Then you haven't seen the russian offer, "Russia has made its proposal to Iran for a joint uranium enrichment venture on Russian territory", meaning there would be no debt. the offer was as good as it gets, and as far as anyone could tell the only possible reason to refuse is Iranian goal of a nuke weapon.

that's not how international debt works for the most part. the iranians would be given technology and access to uranium and have to give up theri own efforts, which are completely legal under international law. then say they make really good use of nuclear power and use it for something like 50% of their power (just an arbitrary figure). now they're in a situation where they are completely dependent on foreign power sources, and then it's watch out for legislation demanding they perform certain functions or else they pull out the energy rug.

[singern]

that's not how international debt works for the most part. the iranians would be given technology and access to uranium and have to give up theri own efforts, which are completely legal under international law. then say they make really good use of nuclear power and use it for something like 50% of their power (just an arbitrary figure). now they're in a situation where they are completely dependent on foreign power sources, and then it's watch out for legislation demanding they perform certain functions or else they pull out the energy rug.

I understand what your saying, just seems like your assuming allot with little to base it on, except for a bunch of "what ifs".
The Entire UN security council has seen and affirmed the offer, France and the US have added incentives. Nothing I have seen leads me to believe it isnt a legitimate, and dependable offer.

[mcpeepants]

When the option is to face beeing politicaly isolated from the entire world obviously going along with the proposal is the better thing to do for the country. And as singer say, it wouldnt be a deal only betwen russia and iran. Alot of other players would be involved so russia wouldnt be able to abuse the deal. If needed they could always switch and buy enrichened uranium from another country if russia tries something funny.

Im sure russia wants some gain from it obviously. But Iran would be the biggest winner since they would get acess to top of the line nuclear technology and be a solid part of the technology sharing programs. By walking this path they have to do everything alone. Trust me there is no chanse they will be able to develop there own nuclear program that is as good as what europe, russia and usa has. Just look how hard india is struggling to pull that off and they have 10 times the scientists and engineers and alot more resources. If it wasnt for that pakistani rouge scientists iran wouldnt even have a centrifuge program.

I still need to see concretely what the Europeans offered in the package. It sounds good hearing it but what on paper are they actually going to give and how soon. Since Iran has rejected the offer maybe the offer isn't as good as it sound or there is an obstacle in the way. How long do the Europeans want the Iranians to stop enrichment?

The Russian deal isn't that great. I read in the link below that in the Russian deal Iran would have to permanently freeze domestic enrichment. Why did Iran even bother signing the NPT? The deal doesn't have Iranian scientist involvement. That basically saying we don't want you to ever have domestic enrichment capability. There is also the effect of national pride kind of like the US sending a man to the moon. The plan says nothing about the UN being involved. It just a deal between Russia and Iran with some support in the UN and less so in the US.

Link:http://www.cfr.org/publication/9985/...th_iran.html#2

[mcpeepants]

They wont get anywhere by telling the world to go **** themself. It will take MUCH longer for them to get any nuclear power industry going on there own. If they where looking out for energy security in the long run they would embrace the offer from the EU. If nothing else as a show of goodwill.

I think that Iran should be able to enrichen, every NPT country has that right. But since this is such a sensitive situation fighting the issue is just stupid. Iran needs to show goodwill.

There has to be a reason Iran rejected the EU offer. What does will the EU actually give Iran and when? I read in the article below that the EU rejected a Iranian offer to stop enrichment for 2 years. Maybe the EU is not showing much goodwill too. Iran voluntarily suspended enrichment in the past and nothing came out of it.

Link:http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HB07Ak01.html

[Kärnfysikern]

I still need to see concretely what the Europeans offered in the package. It sounds good hearing it but what on paper are they actually going to give and how soon. Since Iran has rejected the offer maybe the offer isn't as good as it sound or there is an obstacle in the way. How long do the Europeans want the Iranians to stop enrichment?

I know completing the current nuclear power plants beeing built was one part of the deal. I cant seem to find anything substantial on the net right now. Il search more later. Something should be aviable on IAEA's homepage.

The Russian deal isn't that great. I read in the link below that in the Russian deal Iran would have to permanently freeze domestic enrichment. Why did Iran even bother signing the NPT? The deal doesn't have Iranian scientist involvement. That basically saying we don't want you to ever have domestic enrichment capability. There is also the effect of national pride kind of like the US sending a man to the moon. The plan says nothing about the UN being involved. It just a deal between Russia and Iran with some support in the UN and less so in the US.

Link:http://www.cfr.org/publication/9985/...th_iran.html#2

What I dont get is why is iran so obsessed about the enrichment part? Its not even a hugly important step. Hell you can build good reactors that run on natural uranium aswell. Enrichment is just a huge and money consuming process. If they can get a deal to buy cheap enrichened uranium from russia or france or australia or whatever they should take it.
Sweden get 50% of our electricity production from nuclear power and we have no enrichment plants. Canada, australia and russia has never tried to fool us or milk money out of us. In fact uranium prices are such a small factor in nuclear power production that it is a non issue.

that's not how international debt works for the most part. the iranians would be given technology and access to uranium and have to give up theri own efforts, which are completely legal under international law. then say they make really good use of nuclear power and use it for something like 50% of their power (just an arbitrary figure). now they're in a situation where they are completely dependent on foreign power sources, and then it's watch out for legislation demanding they perform certain functions or else they pull out the energy rug.

Well they are already dependent on other countries. The centrifuges are pakistani and the reactors beeing built are russian. Its not like iran is developing some advanced nuclear technology on there own. They have nothing to lose.

There has to be a reason Iran rejected the EU offer. What does will the EU actually give Iran and when? I read in the article below that the EU rejected a Iranian offer to stop enrichment for 2 years. Maybe the EU is not showing much goodwill too. Iran voluntarily suspended enrichment in the past and nothing came out of it.

Link:http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HB07Ak01.html

Acctualy I completely agree that Iran has the right to enrichen uranium according to the NPT and I dont even know how this whole mess started. Aslong as they go along with the inspections they agreed to when signing the NPT I se no problem with them doing enrichment on there own. Its not like they can secretly set 20 000 centrifuges into high enrichment mode without someone noticing. But like I said above, there is absolutely no need for a country to have enrichment capability. Its not a crucial part of a nuclear power industry.

[J.S.N.]

I understand what your saying, just seems like your assuming allot with little to base it on, except for a bunch of "what ifs".
The Entire UN security council has seen and affirmed the offer, France and the US have added incentives. Nothing I have seen leads me to believe it isnt a legitimate, and dependable offer.

yes of course; i'm just giving what is certainly their reasoning based on recent history.

[mcpeepants]

I don't know why Iran is so focused on enrichment. It's probably has to do with us saying they have to stop doing something they are allowed to do under the NPT. Also, if negotiations fail, they waste time there scientist, engineers, and technicians could of been working to overcome technical obstacles in enrichment. Even with all the hype in the media, Iran has still allowed the IAEA inspectors in there nuclear sites. I think Iran would only kickout inspectors if their nuclear sites were attacked. Although the IAEA would leave on its own, like in Iraq, if they new Iran was about to be attacked.