To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency were last able to visit the Iranian nuclear sites at (a) Arak, (b) Natanz and (c) Bushehr; and if he will make a statement. (273730)

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board Report of 19 February 2009, agency inspectors last visited the Heavy Water Research Reactor at Arak in August 2008 and the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in December 2008.

The same report says that at Natanz the agency conducted a physical inventory verification at the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant on 29 September 2008 and at the Fuel Enrichment Plant on 24-26 November 2008. It also states that since March 2007 the IAEA has carried out 21 unannounced inspections at the latter plant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 5 May 2009, Official Report, columns 4-7WS, on General Affairs and External Relations Council, what reports he has received on (a) the recent contacts between High Representative Solana and Iranian representatives and (b) the outcome of those discussions. (273895)

Following the meeting of officials from the E3+3 on 8 April, High Representative Solana spoke to Saeed Jalili, Iran's Chief Nuclear Negotiator, regarding further talks with the E3+3.

In a statement on 22 April 2009, Iran announced its “readiness for talks and constructive interaction.” No date has yet been fixed and we urge Iran to act in this window of opportunity to rebuild the confidence of the international community and enter into negotiations with the E3+3.