VOA标准英语2009-IAEA Chief Urges Iran to Open Nuclear Dialog

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is urging Tehran to accept a U.S. offer for dialogue and also allow better monitoring of its disputed nuclear program. The move follows disputed presidential elections in Iran, which did not appear to shift Tehran's hardline stance.
　
IAEA Dir. General Mohamed ElBaradei is seen before the start of IAEA's board meeting in Vienna, Austria, 15 Jun 2009

In a speech in Vienna, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei expressed frustration¹ at Tehran for failing to cooperate with inspectors² trying to monitor Tehran's nuclear program. Many countries suspect Iran is trying to build a nuclear bomb, while the Iranian government insists its program is for purely³ peaceful purposes.

In a report earlier this month, the IAEA concluded Iran had stockpiled a sizable amount of potential nuclear fuel, some scientists say enough to possibly make a bomb.

But ElBaradei said there is some cause for optimism.

"I am encouraged nonetheless by the new initiative of the United States to engage the Islamic Republic of Iran in a direct dialogue without preconditions and on the basis of mutual⁴ respect. This gives reasons for hope that a genuine dialogue will lead to a comprehensive settlement of many security, political and economic issues spanning more than 50 years," he said.

ElBaradei urged Iran to respond to Washington's overture⁵ and said he hopes a dialogue between the two countries can begin as soon as possible.

He made no mention of disputed presidential elections in Iran in which hard-line president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the winner.

ElBaradei also criticized Syria for failing to fully⁶ cooperate in allegations it is also involved in questionable⁷ nuclear activities. He also said he is deeply concerned about north korea's nuclear test.

1 frustration   

n.挫折，失败，失效，落空

参考例句：

• He had to fight back tears of frustration.他不得不强忍住失意的泪水。
• He beat his hands on the steering wheel in frustration.他沮丧地用手打了几下方向盘。

2 inspectors   

n.检查员( inspector的名词复数 )；（英国公共汽车或火车上的）查票员；（警察）巡官；检阅官

参考例句：

• They got into the school in the guise of inspectors. 他们假装成视察员进了学校。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Inspectors checked that there was adequate ventilation. 检查员已检查过，通风良好。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 purely   

adv.纯粹地，完全地

参考例句：

• I helped him purely and simply out of friendship.我帮他纯粹是出于友情。
• This disproves the theory that children are purely imitative.这证明认为儿童只会单纯地模仿的理论是站不住脚的。

4 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

5 overture   

n.前奏曲、序曲，提议，提案，初步交涉

参考例句：

• The opera was preceded by a short overture.这部歌剧开始前有一段简短的序曲。
• His overture led to nothing.他的提议没有得到什么结果。

6 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

7 questionable   

adj.可疑的，有问题的

参考例句：

• There are still a few questionable points in the case.这个案件还有几个疑点。
• Your argument is based on a set of questionable assumptions.你的论证建立在一套有问题的假设上。