Racing Int’l Demands Ask Tehran to Resume Nuclear Negotiations

The logo of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seen at their headquarters during a board of governors meeting (Reuters)
The logo of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seen at their headquarters during a board of governors meeting (Reuters)
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Racing Int’l Demands Ask Tehran to Resume Nuclear Negotiations

The logo of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seen at their headquarters during a board of governors meeting (Reuters)
The logo of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seen at their headquarters during a board of governors meeting (Reuters)

World states partaking in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference are demanding that Iran cooperates with the UN nuclear watchdog and resume negotiations in Vienna to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Meanwhile, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is still waiting on an Iranian confirmation for his upcoming visit to Tehran.

In his opening remarks at the conference, Grossi voiced hope in rebooting cooperation with Tehran.

Grossi said he hoped to be in Tehran “very soon to address these pressing matters that will provide the necessary assurances to the world that there is no concern and also pave the way for other important diplomatic efforts which are needed to come to a satisfactory situation when it comes to the nuclear program in Iran.

On the sidelines of the conference, Grossi held discussions with the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami.

Grossi had traveled to Tehran for a quick visit about ten days ago. Hours after his visit, the IAEA chief announced that Iran had agreed to allow IAEA inspectors to maintain surveillance cameras in its nuclear facilities.

Concerning his upcoming visit to Iran, Grossi said that he had an agreement with Iranian officials but did not reveal the trip's date.

He said he hoped to “return soon” to Tehran to complete talks with Iranian officials.

The European Union (EU), which is mediating indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, expressed its concern about Iran’s continued violation of the nuclear agreement and its “irreversible repercussions” related to the nuclear technology it acquires.

It urged Iran to immediately return to negotiations and reverse its violations of the nuclear agreement.

The EU also pressed Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA without delay or conditions to resolve outstanding issues.

To date, Iran is accused of failing to provide conclusive and credible answers to questions related to inspectors finding traces of enriched uranium in secret sites.



Thousands Protest Housing Crunch, High Rents in Barcelona

Demonstrators march to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Demonstrators march to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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Thousands Protest Housing Crunch, High Rents in Barcelona

Demonstrators march to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Demonstrators march to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Thousands of Spaniards rallied in downtown Barcelona on Saturday to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination.
People held up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living,” and “The people without homes uphold their rights.”
The issue has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world.
The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. The price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to the popular online real estate website Idealista. The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes meanwhile have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in country with chronically high unemployment.
Protestor Samuel Saintot said he is “frustrated and scared” after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for the past 15 years in Barcelona’s city center that he must vacate the premises. He suspects that the owners want him out so they renovate it and boost the price.
“Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometer radius outside town, I can’t even find anything within the price range I can afford,” he told The Associated Press. “And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary. And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town.”
A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27% of renters in that strained economic circumstance.
“We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes,” said Ignasi Martí, professor for Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory.