Current Event #9: Head of Atomic Agency Asserts Right to Scrutinize Iran

Click here to read The New York Times article, "Head of Atomic Agency Asserts Right to Scrutinize Iran," dated May 6th, 2010. This past Thursday, Yukiya Amano, the Japanese diplomat in charge of the International Atomic Energy Agency, rejected Iran's assertion that international inspectors should not be able to question Iran reguarding its nuclear research. Compared to his predecessor, Mohamed ElBaradei, Mr. Amano has taken a firmer stance when it comes to Iran and its nuclear program. According to Mr. Amano, "if we don’t have a good understanding [of Iran's nuclear developments], we cannot say if all the activities, or all the activities and material, are for peaceful purposes. Credible confidence is needed.” Recently President Ahmadinejad has ramped up his criticism against the I.A.E.A., claiming that Iran's "friendly relations with the agency are over.” Amano has retaliated with the argument that it is the job of the I.A.E.A. to scrutinize design work and military gear that could suggest the development of nuclear weapons. Israel has been a recent target for Mr. Amano, who hopes to convince them to join the nonproliferation treaty. This issue will be heavily discussed at the nonproliferation conference. Last year, the I.A.E.A. passed a resolution urging Israel, as well as India and Pakistan, to give up all of its nuclear facilities to the agency. Israel has refused to accept the treaty. Many argue that this treaty was discriminatory against Israel because the resolution did not mention either India or Pakistan. This post relates to comparative government because it deals with international relations and supernational organizations.

Click here to view a picture of Mr. Amano by IAEA Imagebank of flickr!!!

"Grade this post"