IAEA Report Confirms Iranian Nuclear Duplicity

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Feb 19, 2010, 12:03 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC is calling on the international community to act immediately on a new International Atomic Energy Agency report which casts significant doubt on Iran's claim that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

"Iran's determination to acquire nuclear weapons capability is the main threat to international peace and security," said AJC Executive Director David Harris.

"Recognition that the Iranian regime has been lying all along about the nature of its nuclear program has led the U.S. and several European countries to exert pressure on Iran's financial and energy sectors," said Harris. "What's needed now is similar resolve at the UN Security Council to enforce existing resolutions and further tighten the sanctions regime."

The IAEA report notes with alarm "past or current undisclosed activities" by the Iranian military to develop a nuclear warhead. In a recent interview with AJC's internet TV show "Reality Check," France's UN Ambassador Gerard Araud declared, "The Iranian nuclear program has no civilian explanation whatsoever."

"The world is entering a phase of this crisis that is both decisive and dangerous, but all must recognize that an Iran armed with nuclear weapons is the worst possible outcome," Harris said.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee