IAEA has “full confidence” in barred Iran inspectors

Reuters: The U.N. atomic watchdog on Monday rejected Iranian claims that its inspectors had falsely reported information about Tehran’s nuclear work, after the Islamic Republic barred two of its officials from the country.

VIENNA June 21 (Reuters) – The U.N. atomic watchdog on Monday rejected Iranian claims that its inspectors had falsely reported information about Tehran’s nuclear work, after the Islamic Republic barred two of its officials from the country.

“The IAEA has full confidence in the professionalism and impartiality of the inspectors concerned,” spokesman Greg Webb said in a statement.

“The agency confirms that its report on the implementation of safeguards in Iran, issued on 31 May 2010, is fully accurate.” He said the IAEA would continue to monitor the situation.

Iran said it expected the IAEA would send alternative inspectors instead but the agency did not confirm this. (Reporting by Sylvia Westall; Editing by Jon Boyle)