Iran's FM: Permission to inspect nuke sites not given

TEHRAN, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Wednesday Parliament is the only body that can authorize unannounced inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.

Speaking at a parliamentary session, Zarif said the agreement struck between Iran and six world powers in Geneva did not involve the Additional Protocol, which would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to conduct unannounced inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities and require Iran to supply information on its nuclear activities. He said the issue was not discussed by the negotiators in Geneva, the Tasnim News Agency said.

The official IRNA news agency said Zarif told the Parliament construction at the Arak heavy water plant will continue.

"We asserted that approval of the Additional Protocol is not within the purview of the administration and that we cannot even make a pledge in this regard because the Parliament has not given such permission and the authority [to approve the protocol] lies in the hands of the Parliament," Zarif said.

The deal struck Sunday in Geneva between P5-plus-1 countries -- Russia, China, France, Britain, the United States and Germany -- requires Iran to stop enriching uranium beyond 5 percent, neutralize its uranium stockpile, allow greater access to the Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites and halt construction at the Arak heavy water plant. No new sanctions will be imposed on the Islamic Republic and some of Iran's frozen assets will be transferred in installments.