Tehran calls on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to adhere to the principles of its work under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and not to yield to U.S. pressure on the settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme issue, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Arakchi said on Tuesday, RIA Novosti reported.
"We (Iran) demand from the IAEA and in particular, from Director General Yukiya Amano, the execution of the organizations direct responsibilities related to the technical component of the NPT and an additional safeguard agreement to refrain from any political interference (in the process of settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme issue) and to be able to resist the political pressure exerted by Western countries," Arakchi said.
According to the Iranian diplomat, Western countries always put pressure on the IAEA.
"Western countries and, in particular, the United States always put pressure on the IAEA's work, and their actions are reflected in the reports of the Director General of the Atomic Energy Organization, and this time we have witnessed such actions again," he stated.
He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran "did not suspend the negotiations and is always ready for constructive, balanced and unconditional negotiations with the 'six' of international mediators to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.
At a session of the IAEA Board of Governors held in early June, Director General Yukiya Amano accused Iran of non-compliance with the decisions of IAEA and UN Security Council on the provision of information and providing inspectors an access to its nuclear facilities, which prevents drawing conclusions about Iran's peaceful use of 'all nuclear materials'.
The U.S. and other Western countries, as well as Israel suspect Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a peaceful nuclear energy programme. Tehran denies the charges saying its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes.