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Iran Accuses IAEA of 'Intimidation'

   VOA News 15 September 2010

   The  U.S.  and other Western nations have condemned Iran's decision to
   bar  nuclear  inspectors  from the country as an attempt to intimidate
   the United Nations nuclear agency.
   U.S.  envoy  Glyn  Davies  told the International Atomic Energy Agency
   board  Wednesday  it  should consider taking action against Tehran for
   barring  the  inspectors.   He  said it was "unprecedented" to reject
   inspectors because they "report accurately."
   Separately, Britain, France and Germany submitted a joint statement to
   the  board  in Vienna, saying Iran was deliberately attempting to keep
   the IAEA from carrying out its mandate.
   In  June,  Iran  barred  two IAEA inspectors from entering the country
   after  saying  they  presented  "false  reports"  about  the country's
   nuclear facilities.
   Earlier this week, IAEA chief Yukiya Amano said Iran's objections were
   hindering  the  inspection  process  and  preventing  verification  of
   Tehran's  claims  that  its nuclear activities are peaceful.  Iranian
   nuclear  chief  Ali  Akbar Salehi said Amano's comments were dangerous
   and a big mistake.
   Meanwhile,  U.S.  ambassador  to  the  U.N. Susan Rice criticized Iran
   Wednesday  for  what she called the country's lack of cooperation with
   the  IAEA.   In  a Security Council briefing on Iran, Rice said there
   was "clear evidence" that Tehran was refusing to take steps that would
   resolve international concerns about its nuclear program. Â
   The  U.N.  imposed  a  fourth set of sanctions on Iran in June for its
   refusal  to  stop enriching uranium.  The United States, the European
   Union and other countries have imposed additional punitive measures.
   The  U.S.  and other Western nations suspect Iran is using its nuclear
   program to develop nuclear weapons.  Iran denies the charge.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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