MP says Iran bars 38 atomic inspectors - agency

TEHRAN, Jan 22 (Reuters) Iran has barred 38 inspectors with the U N nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), from entering the country, an Iranian lawmaker was quoted by Iran's ISNA news agency today as saying.

The head of parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Security Commission, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, did not give details about which inspectors had been barred.

IAEA inspectors make routine checks of Iran's nuclear facilities but last summer Iran temporarily denied visas to some inspectors and curtailed the frequency of visits to atomic sites by inspectors already in the country to convey its anger over Western pressure.

Iran is embroiled in a standoff over its nuclear programme, which the West says is aimed at making atomic bombs despite Tehran's denials.

''Iran has decided not to give entry permission to 38 inspectors from the IAEA and has announced this limitation to the IAEA officially,'' Boroujerdi told ISNA.

''The nationality of those who were barred is not the main basis for us,'' he added, without giving any further details.

Iranian officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The U N Security Council passed a sanctions resolution on December 23 against Iran, calling for the suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment programme. In response, Iran's parliament passed a bill obliging the government to revise its cooperation level with the IAEA and to accelerate its nuclear work. Iran has yet to carry out the threat.

REUTERS SP BS1701