Other world news in brief
Atomic watchdog rejects Iranian claims that inspectors falsified information
VIENNA – The UN atomic watchdog yesterday rejected Iranian claims that its inspectors had falsely reported information about Tehran’s nuclear work, after the Islamic Republic barred two of its officials from the country.
“The IAEA has full confidence in the professionalism and impartiality of the inspectors concerned,” spokesman Greg Webb said. “The agency confirms that its report on the implementation of safeguards in Iran, issued on 31st May, 2010, is fully accurate.” He said the IAEA would continue to monitor the situation.
Iran said it expected the IAEA would send alternative inspectors instead but the agency did not confirm this.
Iran’s barring of the two UN nuclear inspectors has increased tension less than two weeks after Tehran was hit by new UN sanctions over its disputed atomic programme. – (Reuters)
Bodies of nine people found at crash site of plane carrying mining executives
YAOUNDE – Searchers have found the remains of nine or 10 people at the crash site of a plane carrying top Australian mining executives that went missing over the central African jungle, Cameroon authorities said yesterday.
Cameroon’s information minister said the wreckage had been located in the Congo Republic, 10km (6 miles) from its border with Cameroon. Both countries had been searching for the aircraft since it vanished at the weekend.
The private jet’s 11 passengers included Australian mining magnate Ken Talbot, one of Australia’s richest men, and five executives from Australian mining firms Gindalbie, Sundance Resources, and Western Areas. Information minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said the bodies had not yet been positively identified and that authorities were waiting to study the plane’s black box for indications on why it crashed. – (Reuters)
Iraqi electricity minister resigns
BAGHDAD – Iraq’s electricity minister resigned yesterday after days of protests over crippling power cuts that have stoked tensions following a March election that has yet to produce a new government.
Hours after demonstrators hurled rocks at police in the southern city of Nassiriya, minister Karim Waheed told Iraqiya state television he was stepping down because of the failure to provide enough power, seven years after the US-led invasion.
His resignation met a demand from protesters in Nassiriya, and of others who clashed with police in the southern oil hub of Basra on Saturday. Two Basra protesters died after police opened fire.
“Because Iraqis are not capable of being patient in their suffering, which would be alleviated by the projects I mentioned that will eliminate the shortages of electricity, and as this matter has been politicised on all sides, I am declaring in front of you with courage my resignation,” Mr Waheed said. – (Reuters)