IAEA''s knowledge on Stuxnext worm is limited: Amano

Mumbai, Jan 17 (PTI) IAEA''s knowledge about Stuxnetcomputer worm, which allegedly wiped out roughly one-fifth ofIran''s nuclear centrifuges, was "limited" but its safetydepartment was following the issue closely, the UN''s nuclearwatchdog chief said today.

"The Stuxnet virus which possibly destroyed Iran''snuclear centrifuges and is allegedly a US-Israel jointproject, is widely discussed in IAEA.. But IAEA''s knowledge onthis Stuxnet worm is limited," Amano told reporters at thesidelines of a two-day conference of Indian Nuclear Societyhere.

"Our role is to provide confidence on the peacefuluses of nuclear energy... Yes on the safety side, this is animportant issue and our safety department is following it veryclosely," he said.

When asked to comment on Iran''s invitation to aselected countries for inspection of its nuclear facilities,Amano said, "I have no particular comment but it is anencouraging sign. I hope to hear some positive outcome fromtheir dialogue."

On India''s record of safety in nuclear plants, he saidthat the country has a very good record but it cannot becomplacent on safety.

"IAEA has confidence over India''s regulatory body(AERB) but we can never be complacent on safety and a closeand constant consultation with IAEA by all countries is must,"he said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobylnuclear accident and tremendous progress has been made onsafety standards, he said.

On opposition to the proposed nuclear power project atJaitapur in Maharashtra by some groups, Amano said,"transparency is needed and appropriate public awareness isrequired." PTI LV DK