France condemns threats towards head of UN nuclear watchdog

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - France on Monday "strongly" condemned threats towards the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressing full support for the UN agency and its leadership.

In a written statement, the French Foreign Ministry said Paris "firmly condemns threats" targeting Rafael Grossi and reiterated its "full support for the Agency and its Director General in the implementation of its mandate in an independent and impartial manner."

The statement voiced deep concern over what it described as any challenge to Iran’s cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

"France expresses its great concern over any undermining of Iran's cooperation with the IAEA. It calls on the Iranian authorities to fully, immediately and unconditionally fulfill their international obligations under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement," it said.

The ministry also reminded Tehran of its responsibilities on the safety and security of IAEA personnel in the country.

“France recalls the responsibility of the Iranian government to ensure the safety and security of the Agency’s staff in Iran,” the statement added.

Paris reaffirmed its commitment to a “robust, lasting and verifiable negotiated solution” as the only way to address the serious concerns raised by Iran’s nuclear program.

France’s condemnation followed controversial US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by Iran barring Grossi from entering the country and Iran’s parliament passing a bill halting cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.