Japan joins US, EU on Iran nuclear inspections
World News
Jun 27, 2003

TOKYO - Japan joined the United States and Europe Friday in pressing Iran to allow full international inspections of its nuclear facilities, amid suspicions the Islamic country aspires to have nuclear arms.

The request was made by Japan's Senior Vice Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi when he met Iran's ambassador to Japan, Ali Majedi, a foreign ministry official said.

"Japan for its part has strong concern as it gives the top priority to the reinforcement of the nuclear non-proliferation regime," Motegi was quoted as telling the envoy.

But the Iranian ambassador reaffirmed Tehran's position that Iran's nuclear programme is strictly for "peaceful purposes." Majedi promised to convey Japan's concern to his home government, the official said.

Motegi also called on Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and unconditionally sign and implement an additional protocol on nuclear inspections with the UN nuclear watchdog.

In Washington on Wednesday, US President George W. Bush and European Union leaders expressed their "serious concern" over Iran's nuclear program and backed an ongoing IAEA probe.

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