New York: The International Atomic Energy Agency has called for negotiation and mutual accommodation to achieve a long-term solution to the issue of Iran's nuclear programme, after the Security Council imposed sanctions and called for a full and sustained suspension of the country's uranium enrichment activities.

Following Saturday's unanimous Council vote, IAEA Director General Muhamad ElBaradei expressed the hope for a long-term comprehensive agreement which would allow for the development of relations and cooperation with Iran based on 'mutual respect and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme.'

 In previous reports, ElBaradei had noted that the IAEA was unable to conclude that there are no undeclared materials or activities in Iran's nuclear programme, which Iran says is purely for the peaceful purpose of producing energy but which the United States and its allies maintain is aimed at making nuclear weapons.

He said the Agency would implement the relevant parts of the Council resolution, which called on the IAEA to verify the suspension of 'proliferation sensitive nuclear activities,' including all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and work on all heavy water-related projects.

The resolution bans trade with Iran in all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to such activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.