M A I N   N E W S

USA blocking third term for IAEA chief

Washington, December 12
Irked by International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei’s “soft” position on Tehran’s nuclear programme, the USA is scrutinising the transcripts of dozens of his telephone talks with Iranian diplomats, in search of ammunition to prevent him from getting a third term in the post, US officials were today quoted as saying.

“The intercepted calls have not produced any evidence of nefarious conduct by ElBaradei,” the Washington Post reported, quoting three unnamed US officials, who had read the transcripts.

“Some people think he sounds way too soft on the Iranians, but that’s about it,” one official said. The Egyptian diplomat, 62, had caused the ire of Washington by questioning US intelligence on Iraq and the Bush administration opposes his winning a third term in 2005 as the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog.

Washington has no clear candidate to replace him but is nevertheless “searching for material” to support its argument that he should step down, the Post said. “Anonymous accusations against ElBaradei made by the US officials in the recent weeks are part of an orchestrated campaign” to oust him, the paper quoted “several senior policymakers” as saying. — PTI