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IAEA resolution sends unified message to Iran: U.S. official

Xinhua, November 19, 2011

• The resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent a unified message on Iran's controversial nuclear program, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Friday, hinting that more sanctions against the Islamist state may come soon.

  "It was a strong sign of unity on the part of the international community," Toner told reporters, in the wake of the resolution adopted by the UN nuclear watchdog which called for intensified dialogue to find solution to unresolved issues.

  "The international community is of one mind when it comes to Iran's nuclear program, and that is that it is concerned and it's calling on Iran to live up to its obligations and to address the very, very serious concerns about its nuclear program," Toner said.

  While voicing "deep and increasing concern" over the country's nuclear program, Friday's resolution said that it was "essential" for Iran and the IAEA to "intensify their dialogue" aiming at the "urgent" resolution of all outstanding issues.

  Contrary to some analysts' speculations, the resolution contain no recommendation for new sanctions, but requests the IAEA to update findings in its recent report on the Iranian nuclear issue in a new report for the board meeting scheduled for March, 2012.

  Toner said that the U.S. has worked "tirelessly" with its partners and allies on how to enforce the existing sanctions in a way "that makes them as effective as possible."

  He also noted that IAEA resolution is an "effective springboard " for other measures that the U.S. is looking to pursue in "the coming days and months," suggesting that additional sanctions on Iran may come very soon.

  The IAEA head Yukiya Amano said on Thursday at the opening of the board meeting that Iran had carried out activities relevant to the development of a "nuclear explosive device." He also said that the IAEA report on Iranian nuclear program is credible.

  The report has sparked renewed international concern over the nature of Iran's nuclear activities, with some Western countries pushing for tougher sanctions against Iran.

  However, many members of the 35-nation IAEA board opposed the escalation of the issue, and criticize the report as lacking evidence and impartiality.

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