US gives its backing to Iran nuclear deal

WASHINGTON, Oct 23, 2009 (AFP) - The United States gave its backing Friday to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) proposals that aim to break the deadlock over Iran's nuclear efforts, the White House said.

"The United States delivered its positive response to IAEA Director General's (Mohamed) ElBaradei's proposal," said National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer in a statement.

"We look forward to Iran's reply," Hammer added.

Earlier this week, ElBaradei set a Friday deadline for France, Iran, Russia and the United States to give their formal approval to an arrangement under which Russia would further enrich Iranian low-enriched uranium on Russian soil.

Moscow was the first to give the official nod, and earlier Friday French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero agreed that the draft agreement "suits" Paris.

"We have made this known in an official manner," Valero said, adding that ElBaradei was awaiting "a clear response from Iran."


by Lorne Cook
(c) 2009 AFP