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Interview: The Iranians 'Tricked and Misled Us'

IN THIS ISSUE: The Iranians "tricked and misled us," Arab Bank "never dealt with" North Korea, Japan sets 2014 target for decontamination, 4 generator failures hit US nuclear plants, US diplomat to discuss missile defense in Moscow, N. Korea could conduct 3rd nuke test.

Published on October 11, 2011
 

The Iranians 'Tricked and Misled Us'

Erich Follath | Der Spiegel

Iran at the IAEA

In a SPIEGEL interview, Olli Heinonen, the former deputy director of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, offers his first assessment of his 27 years at the global nuclear watchdog. He addresses Iran's nuclear program, his concerns about the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and mistakes made in Fukushima.

SPIEGEL: Mr. Heinonen, if you consider your time as the United Nations' atomic "watchdog," do you look back in anger? Or did you succeed in making the world safer from nuclear bombs?

Heinonen: There are quite a few things I'm proud of. While I was at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we played a significant role in putting Abdul Qadir Khan -- the most dangerous nuclear smuggler of all times -- out of action. But when I think about the nuclear activities of certain states, for instance Iran's nuclear program, I have to say that we allowed ourselves to be placated too often. We should have done more than carrying out our inspections. Yes, with hindsight you could perhaps even say we failed.

SPIEGEL: You sound worried. Is Tehran really on a direct path to becoming a nuclear state?     Full Article



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