LOC17:01
14:01 GMT
VIENNA, Nov 14 (KUNA) -- Former head of the Vienna-based International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Hans Blix warned against a military strike on
Iran, in an interview with the magazine Profil on Monday.
Firstly, no-one knew where all the nuclear installations were. "Secondly it
would absolutely surprise me if Iran had no prototypes and construction plans
which it could fall back on to after an attack."
Thirdly, if the decision to build a bomb had not yet been made, a military
strike would above all push the decision in favour, he said.
The consequence of military intervention would possibly be "a conflagration
in the Middle East", said Blix. "I don't believe that one can deter anyone
from an atomic program by a threat of force - that would more likely lead to
them hurrying more than ever to be able to defend themselves."
Iran has condemned the latest IAEA report listing indications of a nuclear
military program. The report lacks credibility, says Teheran.
But the report was defended by Blix. He believed the agency had been very
wise, and had not simply swallowed something held in front of its nose. It had
honestly reported the facts availble to it, and had made a strong impression.
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