IAEA seeks 145;timeout146; on Iran

El Baradei first issued a call for a timeout in January, suggesting that the parties go 8220;immediately to the negotiating table8221;, but the US rejected the suggestion.

He repeated his calls for Iran to cooperate fully with IAEA. 8220;This would help a lot in defusing the emerging crisis about Iran8217;s programme,8221; he said. 8220;It would enable a comprehensive solution that on the one hand guarantees Iran8217;s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes but at the same time provides the international community with the confidence that is needed after many years of undeclared nuclear activities in Iran about its programme and future direction.8221;

Ahmadinejad hits out

Tehran: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lashed out at domestic critics of Iran8217;s nuclear programme on Wednesday, declaring that the country stands at 8220;the crossroads of destiny8221;. 8220;Some people who call themselves analysts and politicians, instead of standing against those enemies who want to trample on Iran8217;s rights, ask people 8216;why are you standing against the enemy and do not yield?8221; he said.