VOA常速英语2007-ElBaradei Urges Iran to Open its Nuclear Records

By Mona Ghuneim
New York
29 October 2007

The head of the U.N. nuclear agency says Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment is "regrettable," but said its willingness to cooperate with U.N. investigators¹ is a step in the right direction. From VOA's New York Bureau, Mona Ghuneim reports on the agency's efforts to work on a diplomatic solution with Iran.

Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, says Iran recently agreed to work with U.N. investigators, but insists complete cooperation and transparency are still needed.

 

Speaking to the General Assembly Monday, ElBaradei said the agency has been unable to verify certain important aspects of Iran's nuclear program. He expressed regret that Iran was continuing to build a heavy water reactor² and said Iran must prove to the international community that it is serious about using nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

"If the agency were able to provide credible³ assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran's past and current nuclear program, this would go a long way toward building confidence and could help create the conditions for a comprehensive and durable⁴ solution," he said.

The U.S. representative to the United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, says resolving the Iranian nuclear issue is essential and western nations are drafting a new UN resolution to increase pressure on Iran. Washington imposed new sanctions on Iran last week and there has been speculation⁵ that harsher measures may be taken.

Khalilzad says an agreement with Iran to suspend uranium enrichment must be obtained immediately.

"Given the record of this regime, given the rhetoric⁶ of this regime, the policies of this regime, the connections of this regime, it cannot be acceptable for it to develop the capability⁷ to produce nuclear weapons," he said.

ElBaradei said on Sunday there was no evidence that Iran was trying to make nuclear bombs and that the country was still years away from having that capability. But the United States and other western countries, such as France, suspect Iran has a weapons program. Iran continues to deny the charge, saying its nuclear program is for energy.

Iranian Ambassador to the U.N. Mohammad Khazaee says Iran has a right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

"All reports issued by the IAEA since November 2003 have been indicative of the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program and the agency has repeatedly reaffirmed that it, quote, 'has not seen indications of diversion of nuclear material to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices,' unquote," he said.

Iran's deal with the U.N. agency has been criticized for allowing Iran to "play for time," but ElBaradei says Tehran's agreement in August to clear up its nuclear record by the end of the year is an important step in the right direction.

1 investigators   

n.调查者，审查者( investigator的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• This memo could be the smoking gun that investigators have been looking for. 这份备忘录可能是调查人员一直在寻找的证据。
• The team consisted of six investigators and two secretaries. 这个团队由六个调查人员和两个秘书组成。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 reactor   

n.反应器；反应堆

参考例句：

• The atomic reactor generates enormous amounts of thermal energy.原子反应堆发出大量的热能。
• Inside the reactor the large molecules are cracked into smaller molecules.在反应堆里，大分子裂变为小分子。

3 credible   

adj.可信任的，可靠的

参考例句：

• The news report is hardly credible.这则新闻报道令人难以置信。
• Is there a credible alternative to the nuclear deterrent?是否有可以取代核威慑力量的可靠办法？

4 durable   

adj.持久的，耐久的

参考例句：

• This raincoat is made of very durable material.这件雨衣是用非常耐用的料子做的。
• They frequently require more major durable purchases.他们经常需要购买耐用消费品。

5 speculation   

n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机

参考例句：

• Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
• There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。

6 rhetoric   

n.修辞学，浮夸之言语

参考例句：

• Do you know something about rhetoric?你懂点修辞学吗？
• Behind all the rhetoric,his relations with the army are dangerously poised.在冠冕堂皇的言辞背后，他和军队的关系岌岌可危。

7 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。