Top UN nuclear inspector for Iran, Syria to quit IAEA

Vienna, 02 July-(ANA)-The UN nuclear agency has said that its top inspector - who has led investigations into Iran and Syria - has resigned after nearly 30 years of service. 

Deputy Director Olli Heinonen, 63, would step down at the end of August for personal reasons, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

The Finnish national has led the IAEA's safeguards department since 2005.

It is responsible for trying to verify that countries' nuclear activities are for purely peaceful means.

Mr Heinonen is widely regarded as the most high-profile official at the Vienna-based agency after Director General Yukiya Amano.(ANA)

FA/ANA/02 July 2010--------