U.S. taps ElBaradei
phone
CNN
Sunday, December 12, 2004 Posted: 1714 GMT (0114
HKT)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The Bush administration is
scrutinizing intercepted telephone conversations that
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei had
with Iranian diplomats in search of ammunition to oust him from
his post, The Washington Post reported on Sunday.
The newspaper said it showed the lengths to which some in the
administration are going to try to replace a top international
diplomat who questioned Washington's actions in Iraq and on the
Iran nuclear issue.
The report, sourced to three unnamed U.S. government
officials, said the intercepts had produced no evidence of
nefarious conduct by ElBaradei.
However, it said some within the administration believe the
conversations show ElBaradei, the director general at the United
Nation's nuclear watchdog agency, lacks impartiality because he
tried to help Iran to navigate a diplomatic crisis over its
nuclear programs.
Others say the transcripts exhibit standard telephone
diplomacy, the Post said.
A CIA spokesperson declined to comment on the Washington
Post's account, as did a spokeswoman for the State
Department.
The United States accuses Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear
weapons under cover of its atomic energy program. Iran denies the
charge.
While Tehran agreed to suspend uranium enrichment activities
last month under international pressure, it insists the
suspension is temporary.
Diplomats say hard-liners in Washington think ElBaradei has
not been tough enough on Iran.
The Washington Post said the White House lacks clear
international support to block ElBaradei from winning a third
term next summer. But it said several senior policy makers, who
had requested anonymity, said the White House was searching for
material to strengthen its case that ElBaradei should be
retired.
The newspaper also said the United States had been canvassing
for possible candidates to replace ElBaradei, but had yet to
settle on one ahead of a December 31 deadline.
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