Vienna: The UN atomic watchdog said on Tuesday
that its board of governors will meet later this week to elect
a new board chairman as new controversy raged over Iran's
disputed nuclear drive.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a
statement that its 35-member board "will convene a special
meeting at the agency's Headquarters starting at 1930 IST on
Friday, February 12."
The sole item on the agenda was the election of a new
chairman, and Iran would not be discussed, an IAEA spokesman
said.
Iran created a new furore this week with the
announcement that it would start producing 20 percent
enriched uranium at a plant in the central city of Natanz,
defying world powers who have warned of new sanctions unless
Tehran halts its nuclear drive.
IAEA inspectors are monitoring the process and are
expected to report their findings in time for the regular
spring board meeting at the beginning of March.
Initially, Malaysian ambassador, Mohd Arshad bin
Manzoor Hussain, had been elected board chairman for the
current period.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 09, 2010, 21:14