Aussie to head IAEA?

No desire to see Downer leave: PMDecember 14, 2004

PRIME Minister John Howard had no desire to see Alexander Downer leave his post, after speculation the Foreign Minister had been approached to head the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Mr Howard said today.

Mr Downer has remained tight-lipped about reports in the US yesterday that US officials had asked him several months ago to consider replacing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei.

On ABC radio this morning, Mr Howard said it was both flattering and understandable that Mr Downer had been mentioned in relation to the job, but he did not think it likely he would take up the role.

"It is understandable that people should think of him as able and qualified to do a position such as this, but I have no desire to see Alexander Downer leave his present position - none whatsoever," Mr Howard said.