IAEA Springs Into Action, Advocates Doing Nothing
Charles Johnson
Thu Jan 18, 2007 at 10:57 am PST • Views: 203
We all know that the UN’s blind, toothless nuclear watchdog, Mohamed ElBaradei, is vehemently opposed to the very thought of any sort of military action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
But he’s also opposed to any sort of sanctions against Iran, even the weak, meaningless ones now in place: Sanctions could escalate Iran standoff: ElBaradei.
“I don’t think sanctions will resolve the issue. I think sanctions, in my view, could lead to escalation on both sides,” ElBaradei said as guest speaker at a meeting in Paris.
The new sanctions ban transfers of sensitive nuclear materials and know-how to Iran. The U.N. resolution set a 60-day deadline for Iran to halt nuclear fuel work. If it does not, the Security Council could weigh broader, tougher sanctions. …
Iran said this week it was pressing ahead with a plan to install 3,000 centrifuges, machines that enrich uranium, with the aim of achieving industrial-scale nuclear fuel production.
“My worry right now is that each side is sticking to their gun if you like. The international community is sticking to their gun, saying ‘sanctions or bust’. Iran is saying ‘nuclear enrichment capability or bust’,” ElBaradei said.
“We need somebody to reach out and be able to find a solution.”
Frank says: