This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7965053.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UN nuclear body to elect new head UN struggles to replace ElBaradei
(about 8 hours later)
The board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is to vote for a successor to chief Mohammed ElBaradei, who steps down later this year. The board of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has failed to elect a successor to director Mohammed ElBaradei.
The candidates for the post of director general are Japan's ambassador to the IAEA, Yukiya Amano, and his South African counterpart Abdul Samad Minty. After three rounds of inconclusive voting in Vienna on the two candidates vying to succeed him, the 35-member board decided to begin again on Friday.
To win, a candidate requires a two-thirds majority of the 35-member board. Japan's Yukiya Amano led South Africa's Abdul Samad Minty but did not get the required two-thirds majority.
Diplomats say that Mr Amano may be closer to gaining the majority required to win the post. Mr ElBaradei, in office since 1997, is due to step down later this year.
However, an inconclusive vote in the secret ballot is possible, and the race could then be thrown open to new candidates, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Vienna, where the IAEA is based. "I reckon the chances of deadlock tomorrow are 90%," a European diplomat told Reuters after the closed-door polling on Thursday.
Iran row
Up to three rounds of balloting over two days could be held at the IAEA's headquarters to determine the winner.
THE CONTENDERS YUKIYA AMANO, LEFT Aged 62, veteran Japanese diplomatSpecialises in disarmament and nuclear non-proliferationSeen as close to US on major issues, including IranBacked by industrialised nations ABDUL SAMAD MINTY, RIGHT Aged 69, veteran South African arms control and non-proliferation negotiatorFormer anti-apartheid activistSeen as more independent of USSupported by developing nationsTHE CONTENDERS YUKIYA AMANO, LEFT Aged 62, veteran Japanese diplomatSpecialises in disarmament and nuclear non-proliferationSeen as close to US on major issues, including IranBacked by industrialised nations ABDUL SAMAD MINTY, RIGHT Aged 69, veteran South African arms control and non-proliferation negotiatorFormer anti-apartheid activistSeen as more independent of USSupported by developing nations
Mr Amano has the support of the industrialised nations, while Mr Minty is favoured by developing countries, our correspondent says. Another diplomat said: "A stalemate is more likely than not."
Some diplomats hope that Mr Amano might be less political than Mr ElBaradei, who, they feel, has been too soft on Iran and too ready to speak out on matters outside his mandate, she adds. Mr Amano has the support of industrialised countries while Mr Minty is favoured by developing nations.
Some diplomats see Mr Amano as less political than Mr ElBaradei who, they feel, has been too soft on Iran and too ready to speak out on matters outside his mandate.
But developing nations say Mr Minty is a better communicator, with more independence from the US.But developing nations say Mr Minty is a better communicator, with more independence from the US.
If there is still no winner, fresh nominations would be invited to be submitted within four weeks. Previous candidates could run again. If there is still no winner after Friday, fresh nominations will be sought within four weeks. Previous candidates may run again.
Mr ElBaradei, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, will step down as the IAEA's chief in November.Mr ElBaradei, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, will step down as the IAEA's chief in November.
His three terms in office were marked by rows with the Bush administration over Iraq and Iran, our correspondent says.His three terms in office were marked by rows with the Bush administration over Iraq and Iran, our correspondent says.