Iran Parliament Bars Key Nuclear Concessions in Talks with Big Powers

Reuters, 23/06 15:40 CET

By Parisa Hafezi

ANKARA (Reuters) – Iran’s parliament passed a bill on Tuesday banning access for U.N. inspectors to its military sites and scientists, potentially complicating chances for a nuclear accord with world powers as a self-imposed June 30 deadline approaches.

Two major stumbling blocks to a deal have been disputes over how much transparency Iran should offer to ease suspicions that it has covertly sought to develop nuclear bombs, and the timing and pace of relief from sanctions imposed on Tehran.

France has spearheaded the powers’ demand that Iran grant unfettered U.N. access to military bases — where Western officials believe Iran has conducted nuclear bomb research — as part of any final settlement that would curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for a phase-out of sanctions.

The legislation prohibiting any such access, as well as stipulating that all sanctions be lifted as soon as a nuclear accord takes effect, was approved by 214 of 244 lawmakers present on Tuesday, state television reported.

The powers say sanctions can be dismantled only gradually to reward Iranian compliance with various aspects of an agreement.

State TV said the bill allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency solely to inspect Iran’s nuclear installations under its existing Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.

“But it bans any inspection of military, security and non-nuclear sites as well as access to documents and scientists.”

Full article available here: http://www.euronews.com/newswires/3027848-iran-parliament-bars-key-nuclear-concessions-in-talks-with-big-powers/

Source: Euronews