Top Iranian official denies reports on Pakistani scientists aiding Tehran's nuclear program

Published January 15th, 2004 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Iranian deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific affairs Mohsen Aminzadeh, currently on a visit to Pakistan, denied reports claiming Pakistani nuclear scientists have helped in the country's nuclear program.  

 

"Iran['s] nuclear program has been developed by our own scientists and there is no outside assistance," the Iranian official told reporters in Islamabad on Wednesday following his talks with Pakistani leaders, according to IRNA news agency.  

 

The Iranian official said that "two persons from the 

region" and "not...scientists" played the role of "business-brokers" to purchase necessary equipment for Iran's peaceful nuclear program. 

 

However, he did not reveal the nationality of the two men.  

 

He added that three European nationals also helped Iran in  

purchases from the international market, according to the agency.  

 

"We had provided information to the International Atomic Energy Agency about the purchases from the international market and those who played role of brokers," he said. 

 

Aminzadeh further said there was no violation of international laws in the purchase of equipment for the nuclear program.  

 

"I was surprised over reports in ...Pakistani and non-Pakistani newspapers," he said, adding that the reports were not true. (Albawaba.com)

© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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