Iran: Bill passed to urge gov´t to reduce cooperation with IAEA

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-28-2006 08:34

Iran's parliament has passed a bill, urging the government to reduce cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog. The vote came four days after the UN Security Council approved sanctions against Tehran over its atomic programme.

Many Iranians view their countries nuclear program as a matter of national pride, and the UN resolution has created resentment and anger.

Wednesday's vote in parliament is seen as a retaliation to the Security Council's resolution.

Gholam Ali Haddadadel, Iranian Parliament speaker, said, "This parliament's bill is a warning to the government not to put the fate of Iran totally in the hands of the IAEA and react in proportion with imposed pressures."

The bill gives the government authority to decide if it wants to resolve the atomic stand-off through political means in the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

It also obliges the government to speed up its peaceful nuclear program.

The powerful Guardian Council, which acts as a government watchdog, swiftly approved the bill.

On Saturday,the UN Security Council voted unanimously to impose sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology.

Iran declared the move illegal and immediately threatened to reduce its cooperation with the IAEA.

Wednesday's bill will take effect 15 days after it is signed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Editor:Du Xiaodan