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Saturday, November 28, 2009, Zil`Hajj 10, 1430

IAEA denounces Iran nuclear programme

Vienna—The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) governing body has passed a resolution condemning Iran for developing a uranium enrichment site in secret. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also demanded that Iran freeze the project immediately.

The resolution, the first against Iran in nearly four years, was passed by a 25-3 margin with six abstentions. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful energy purposes, but the US says it is seeking nuclear weapons.

Diplomats from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China introduced the draft U.N. resolution which demands Iran halt construction of a previously-secret uranium enrichment site and confirm it has no other hidden nuclear activities. The resolution was passed with rare Russian and Chinese backing, but it is unclear whether this means the two would support sanctions against Tehran. In September, it emerged that Iran had a second uranium enrichment facility, deepening Western fears about its nuclear ambitions.

Tehran has failed to agree to a US-backed plan under which its low-enriched uranium would be shipped overseas for processing into fuel.—INP

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