VIENNA: The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), unanimously approved major cuts in nuclear aid programs offered to Iran Thursday.
IAEA's 35-nation board of governors formalized the cuts as part of the sanctions against Iran on suspicion that it is developing nuclear weapons. The decision follows a Security Council resolution, which imposed the sanctions against the country continuing with its uranium enrichment programs in spite of repeated requests to stop these programs.
The cuts cover nearly two dozen technical aid programs for nuclear research given to the country.
In the past, two countries -- North Korea and Iraq -- had faced similar cuts in nuclear aid by IAEA.
A spokesperson for IAEA said its board ratified by consensus a decision by its secretariat to freeze or curb 22 of the 55 aid projects. The projects that will be affected will include those relating to nuclear power planning and technical and security measures in developing nuclear fuel. Projects involving radiopharmaceuticals and isotopes for medical, agriculture and humanitarian applications will continue to receive aid.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is intended to generate electricity. However, there is suspicion about its intentions as enrichment of uranium can also be a process to build bombs.
The decision was condemned by Iran's envoy to IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh. He held the Security Council responsible for the decision, saying the council has undermined the IAEA's professional independence.
Iran's foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in Tehran such punitive measures could affect the country's relations with the IAEA. He reiterated that Iran's nuclear programs were for peaceful purposes.
