"VIENNA -- A draft agreement on providing Iran with fuel for a civilian nuclear research facility that could defuse tension over Iran's nuclear program has emerged from nearly three days of talks supported by the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA.
The nuclear fuel is for use at a reactor in Iran's capital, Tehran, which produces medical radioisotopes for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Those taking part in the discussions at the IAEA's Vienna headquarters - Iran, France, Russia and the United States - have until Friday to approve of the draft text, which is a "balanced approach on how to move forward," the agency's Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei, told reporters.
Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei briefs the media on draft agreement for Tehran research reactor. (Photo courtesy IAEA)
ElBaradei said that the nuclear supply is needed to ensure the Tehran Research Reactor's continued operation, which serves "purely humanitarian objectives."
He expressed optimism that the four nations would endorse the draft agreement, which would be a "very important confidence-building measure that can defuse the crisis that has been going on for a number of years and open space for negotiations." "
Environment News Service had the story October 21, 2009.
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