Iranian FM denies reports Amano plans to visit Iran

TEHRAN,Oct.13(MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on Thursday denied reports that he had said Yukiya Amano, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), plans to travel to Tehran. On Wednesday, Salehi was quoted on some Iranian news agencies’ websites as saying that Amano plans to pay a visit to Tehran. On Thursday, he said that he had announced that Iran was ready to hold talks and cooperate with the IAEA on the alleged weapons studies, but he had not said that Amano would travel to Iran. He also asked reporters to be more careful when reporting the news. In addition, Serge Gas, the IAEA director of public information, said on Wednesday, “The IAEA has seen media reports that Director General Amano will visit Iran to discuss nuclear issues. There are no such plans at this time.” Amano said last week the IAEA had yet to agree a date for further talks with Iran and had little hope for a speedy resolution to a standoff with Tehran over its nuclear program, Reuters reported.