Iran, IAEA Have Better Understanding on Ways Forward: Amano
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Yukiya Amano issued a statement on his Thursday visit to Iran, saying both Tehran and the IAEA have gained a "better understanding" of how to strengthen cooperation.
Amano on Thursday paid a one-day visit to Tehran and met with two senior Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani.
Here is the text of the statement by the Japanese head of the UN nuclear agency:
"I travelled to Tehran on Thursday for meetings with President Hassan Rouhani and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani. It follows meetings in Vienna with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Iranian officials.
The purpose of the visit was to advance work towards the resolution of all outstanding issues regarding Iran's nuclear programme, including clarification of possible military dimensions.
I believe that both sides have a better understanding on some ways forward, though more work will be needed.
We also touched on the ongoing negotiations between the E3+3 countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran towards a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and the Agency's monitoring and verification of nuclear-related measures under such agreement."
Amano's visit came amid marathon talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany), underway in Vienna, with the purposes of striking a lasting agreement on Tehran's nuclear energy program.
