IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei on Saturday called on the international community to continue efforts to resolve Iran's nuclear issue through negotiations.

Elbaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), made the call in response to a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted earlier in the day imposing limited sanctions against Iran.

"The Agency will implement the relevant parts of the UNSC resolution that relates to its work." said the IAEA chief.

But he stressed that "a long term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue has to be based on negotiation and mutual accommodation."

Elbaradei expressed the hope for "a long-term comprehensive agreement" which he said "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 program."

The UN sanctions demand the prevention of "the supply, sale or transfer of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs."

The UNSC also decided to "freeze the funds, other financial assets and economic resources" owned by people or entities related to Iran's nuclear programs.

The resolution asked Elbaradei to refer a report about the fulfillment of the resolution's implementation by Iran to the UNSC within 60 days.

Should Iran refuse to comply, the UNSC might adopt further non-military sanctions against it, the resolution warned.

Aliasghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, warned last week of damage to cooperation with the IAEA.

"If the UNSC passes any resolution, including any extent sanction against Iran, Iran would reconsider and revise its relations with the IAEA," said the envoy.

The UNSC adopted Resolution 1696 on July 31, urging Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment-related activities until Aug. 31, saying it might otherwise face santions. Iran, however, rejected the resolution.

Source: Xinhua