Rice tells nuke watchdog to butt out of Iran diplomacy (did SHE say diplomacy?)

[babylonsister]

Rice tells nuke watchdog to butt out of Iran diplomacy



From Elise Labott
CNN

SHANNON, Ireland (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cautioned the U.N. nuclear watchdog group Wednesday not to interfere with international diplomacy over Iran's alleged weapons program.

Condoleezza Rice criticized the U.N. nuclear watchdog group Wednesday while en route to the Middle East.

The International Atomic Energy Agency "is not in the business of diplomacy," Rice told reporters traveling with her to the Middle East.

The IAEA's role should be limited to carrying out inspections and offering a "clear declaration and clear reporting on what the Iranians are doing; whether and when and if they are living up to the agreements they have signed," she said.

Rice was referring to recent comments made by IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei, in which he criticized U.S. rhetoric about Iran.

ElBaradei has called for less emphasis on additional U.N. sanctions against Iran in favor of enhanced cooperation between the IAEA and Tehran. Iran has agreed with IAEA requests to answer unresolved questions about its nuclear program.

more...

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/19/rice.iran/index.html

[PA Democrat]

1. diplomacy = warmongering?

Last I noticed the entire Bush administration wasn't in the business of diplomacy either.

[wtmusic]

2. Actually Condi, it IS in the business of diplomacy

From the IAEA's mission statement:

"The IAEA...serves as the global focal point for nuclear cooperation".

http://www.iaea.org/About/mission.html

They will define their role, thank you.