NEW DELHI, Nov 19: India issued a couched warning to Iran on Saturday that Tehran must comply with the latest demands by the IAEA director-general to avoid getting New Delhi to vote against it on November 24. An Indian foreign ministry spokesman also said that New Delhi was concerned over possible involvement of what it called the A.Q. Khan network in helping Iran’s nuclear programme.
“We trust that Iran will continue to extend necessary cooperation to the IAEA to enable the agency to resolve outstanding issues. This will contribute to the success of ongoing diplomatic efforts and India believes it is important for all concerned to avoid actions that may undermine these efforts.”
The IAEA’s latest report notes that it has been able to interview individuals involved in procurement, who have not been previously made available. It refers to additional documents being made available to the agency in a variety of areas and appreciates access being given to sites of interest.
“Iran’s approach has been described as more forthcoming,” the Indian spokesman noted.
He said India welcomes the progress made in regard to various outstanding issues by Iran. India sees ‘this as a vindication of our stand, expressed on Sept 24, advocating that more time be given to enable us to reach a satisfactory resolution of outstanding issues.”
The additional documentation and information made available would shed greater light on clandestine activities of ‘foreign intermediaries’, in particular the Pakistan-based A. Q. Khan network, the spokesman said.
