UN Cannot Confirm Iran's Nuclear Activities are Peaceful

The head of the United Nations' nuclear agency says he cannot confirm that Iran's atomic activities are peaceful. Yukiya Amano says Tehran has not been providing the cooperation needed for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to clear up questions about its nuclear activities. He commented at the start of an IAEA board meeting Thursday in Austria.

His remarks come ahead of next week's meeting between Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalil, and EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton. Ashton will represent the five permanent U.N. Security Council members and Germany in talks about Iran's nuclear program.

Western nations have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear technology to make weapons. Iran denies the charge.

Amano also told the board he has asked Syria for greater cooperation in an ongoing probe into a suspected nuclear site. He also said he has "great concern" about North Korea's nuclear program.