**The new head of the International Atomic Energy Agency took office on Tuesday, amidst “stormy” negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme.**Yukiya Amano, a 62-year-old Japanese diplomat, arrived for his first day as director general at the United Nations agency in Vienna.
He take takes over from Egyptian diplomat Mohamed ElBaradei, who stepped down Monday after 12 years in the job.
Last week Iran announced it would build a further 10 nuclear installations.
“The situation around the agency is stormy now,” Mr Amano, formerly Japan’s envoy to the IAEA, said. “We have a lot of difficult issues and challenges, but I would like to do my best.”
Iran censure
Last week, the watchdog’s 35-member board passed a stern resolution against Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, which the IAEA has been investigating for the past seven years.
Tehran complained that the move was “an act of bullying” and said it would reduce co-operation with the agency to a minimum.
Mr Amano, who served as Japan’s ambassador to the IAEA from August 2005 until his selection as director general in July 2009.
Iran has said it will build a further 10 laboratories to enrich uranium for what they say is a civilian nuclear programme.
The six nations involved in negotiations with Iran - the US, UK, France, Germany, China and Russia - have condemned the announcement.
On Tuesday China said it would not support sanctions against Iran and has instead called for diplomatic efforts to be “stepped up”.
Western powers say Iran is trying to develop nuclear arms. Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful.