ID :
339519
Sat, 08/30/2014 - 10:31
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Drone incident has no impact on Iran N-talks: Heinonen

TEHRAN, Aug. 30 (MNA) – Professor Olli Heinonen believes the Israeli drone shot down in Iran has no direct impact on the nuclear negotiations. In an exclusive interview with MNA, the former deputy director general for Safeguards at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that “I do not see that the drone incident has any direct impact on the negotiations.” Yet he believes “it shows that the neighbors are closely monitoring developments in Iran.” MNA: What does Israeli act mean when Iran and the G5+1 are negotiating to reach a nuclear deal? Does it carry a certain message? Nuclear programs have been closely kept secrets of many nations. They have been subject to close monitoring and espionage since 1940’s by the neighbors and adversaries. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS), also known as drones, are being manufactured by several countries, and the group of users of them is even wider. What I can see from the statements made by the IRGC, the drone probably started its flight from a neighboring country and ended up in Natanz after passing likely also over other locations. Such drones have camera systems, which complement satellite imagery by providing closer pictures from different angles. They serve often also as platforms for electromagnetic spectrum sensors, gamma ray sensors, and chemical sensors. Electromagnetic sensors typically include visual spectrum, infrared, or near infrared cameras as well as radar systems. Chemical sensors use laser spectroscopy to analyze the concentrations of elements in the air. Drones are also used to intercept communications. From the statements made by the IRCG, it is not possible to assess which other sensors might have been on the board of the drone, but such systems serve to detect and characterize unknown installations and buildings. MNA: Will the Israeli clear threat affect the negotiation process? Can this act be considered as the G5+1 message for Iran or it is an independent act by Israel? I do not see that the drone incident has any direct impact on the negotiations, but it shows that the neighbors are closely monitoring developments in Iran. Olli Heinonen is a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He was the Deputy Director General of the IAEA, and head of its Department of Safeguards. Prior to that, Heinonen was Director at the Agency’s various Operational Divisions, and as inspector including at the IAEA’s overseas office in Tokyo, Japan. Prior to joining IAEA, he was a Senior Research Officer at the Technical Research Centre of Finland Reactor Laboratory in charge of research and development related to nuclear waste solidification and disposal. He is co-author of several patents on radioactive waste solidification. (Interview: Javad Heirania)

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