US ends fight against ElBaradei over nuclear watchdog term

THE United States is giving up its solo fight against Mohamed ElBaradei, who is flying to Washington to discuss his bid for a third term as head of the UN nuclear watchdog, said US and European officials.

US and European officials said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will offer support for ElBaradei's candidacy as director-general of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"The US will support ElBaradei, but it wants some things in return," a European diplomat said, adding these issues involved Iran and the general fight against nuclear arms proliferation.