Disarmament Documentation

Iran informs the IAEA that it intends to resume nuclear R&D, January 3, 2006

'Iran To Resume Suspended Nuclear Research and Development', IAEA Press Release, 2006/01, January 3, 2006.

The IAEA Secretariat received today a Note Verbale from the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran in which Iran informed the Agency that it "has decided to resume from 9 January 2006 those R & D on the peaceful nuclear energy programme which has been suspended as part of its expanded voluntary and non-legally binding suspension."

IAEA Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei, has informed the IAEA Board of Governors of Iran´s decision to resume certain R & D activities. The Secretariat is in the process of seeking clarification from Iran as to the implications of their decision.

Dr. ElBaradei recalls the importance placed by the IAEA Board that Iran maintains its suspension of all enrichment-related activities as a key confidence-building measure. The Director General acknowledges the right under the NPT of all States, including Iran, to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. However, he continues to call on Iran to take the steps the IAEA requires to resolve outstanding issues regarding the nature of Iran´s nuclear programme.

In the meantime, Dr. ElBaradei also calls on Iran to take voluntary measures to build confidence, and enable the resumption of dialogue with all concerned parties.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, http://www.iaea.org.

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