September 11, 2007 (LPAC)--In a strong showing of moral fortitude, and commitment to principles, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, Director Generation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), walked out of today's Board of Governor's meeting, to protest the European Union attack on Iran and his agency's efforts to peacefully resolve remaining nuclear energy issues through negotiations. Portuguese ambassador Joaquim Duarte delivered the EU speech, which diplomats attending the closed-door meeting told AFP, attacked Iran for not adhering to UN Security Council resolutions, and barely mentioned the timetable the IAEA has worked out with Iran to resolve outstanding issues. "The Europeans gave a nasty statement, and the Director General walked out of the room," a diplomat said.

AFP reports that just before the EU speech, ElBaradei had received a very supportive statement from the Non-Aligned Movement; that it shares the view that the work plan and timetable "is a 'significant step forward,' and reiterates its full confidence in the impartiality and professionalism of the Secretariat of the IAEA, and its Director General."