IAEA needs more funds to monitor Iran's n-activities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Monday said there was still a funding gap of about 700,000 euros ($904,980) for monitoring Iran's implementation of the deal between world powers and Tehran due to the extension of the accord.

A statement issued by IAEA chief Yukiya Amano to an IAEA board meeting noted that the IAEA required one million euros in additional funding for monitoring Iran's implementation of the deal agreed upon between Iran and the P5+1 group (the five U.N. Security Council permanent members plus Germany) which was extended for another four months in July.

However, only about 300,000 euros has been pledged by member states, leaving a funding gap of about 700,000 euros, according to the IAEA chief.

Amano added that he would invite member states to make contributions, Xinhua reported.

Under the milestone deal agreed upon between Iran and the P5+1 group at a meeting in Geneva last November, Iran agreed to suspend some controversial activities in exchange for relevant sanctions relief in six moths, buying time for diplomacy.

However, negotiators failed to find a final solution in resolving the decades-long disputed Iranian nuclear plan after rounds of intensive talks in Vienna this year but decided to extend the talks by four more months.

The next round of talks will be held in New York Thursday.