THE United Nations chief has told Israel the international standoff over suspected nuclear programme in Iran must be resolved peacefully.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered his message at a time of growing concerns that Israel could be planning an attack on Iran.
Israel, like the West, believes Iran is developing nuclear weapons and says no option, including force, can be ruled out in stopping it. Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful.
At a news conference with Israel's prime minister, Ban urged the Iranians to prove their nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. When asked whether he fears an Israeli attack, he said, ‘there is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of these issues.’
UN nuclear inspectors said Wednesday they would soon return to Tehran after a ‘good trip’ to the Iranian capital.
Meanwhile, a senior UN nuclear expert on Wednesday announced plans to revisit Tehran soon after a ‘good trip,’ indicating progress on his team's quest to probe suspicions that the Islamic Republic is secretly working on an atomic arms programme.
The announcement from mission leader Herman Nackaerts came shortly after his group landed at Vienna airport after three days of discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran.
