Israel wants release of IAEA classified document about Iranian nukes

A word or two of caution: Nobody knows for certain that the classified document exists, and of course its existence will be denied, or it will be claimed that it is just opinions of inspectors. People who follow the public reports closely say that in fact there is usually a section on military dimensions, and that the current report is not much different from previous ones. Iran's welcome of the IAEA report is par for the course. They have done the same regarding previous reports and always claim the document exonerates them.

J'lem wants IAEA report on Iran released

Aug. 31, 2009
Herb Keinon , THE JERUSALEM POST

Israel wants the International Atomic Energy Agency to release a classified report on Iran's alleged nuclear weapons experiments, government officials said Sunday, following Friday's release of an IAEA report that was welcomed by Teheran as "positive."

Although the report said that Iran was stonewalling about "possible military dimensions" to its nuclear program, the report was far less critical of it than Israel would have liked.

According to government officials, the IAEA has another document that is a summary of everything the agency knows about Iran's nuclear program, but which has remained classified.

Israel is keen on getting that document released, but has limited leverage since it is not a member of the IAEA.

The current head of the IAEA, Mohammed ElBaradei, did not agree to release the document, and the decision to do so will now go to his successor, Japan's Yukiya Amano, due to take office on December 1.

The Associated Press reported some 10 days ago on the existence of a secret IAEA summary of Iran's alleged weapons experiments, based on agency investigations and US and other intelligence reports.

AP quoted senior Western diplomats as saying the information concerned allegations that Iran had actively pursued research into developing nuclear warheads.

ElBaradei, according to the AP report, has opposed the document's publication out of the fear that this would make Iran even more intransigent and less likely to cooperate with the IAEA, and push the US or Israel closer to a possible military strike on Teheran's nuclear facilities.

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