Russia has invited the United States to take part in the construction of the Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran, Russian Atomic Energy Minister Alexander Rumyantsev said today (see GSN, May 28).

“We have made this proposal several times to our American colleagues in talks at expert level,” Rumyantsev said.  “For the moment, they are saying they have to consider,” he said.

Rumyantsev highlighted the opportunities for increased participation in the Bushehr project, saying Iran has envisioned installing six nuclear reactors at the plant, while Russia has only contracted to build the first set.  “There is scope for everyone,” Rumyantsev said (Agence France-Presse, May 30).

Rumyantsev has also said that construction of the first part of the Bushehr plant is on schedule and should be completed by the end of next year.  Russia will not begin sending nuclear fuel to Iran for the plant, however, until it is ready for use, he said (Rosbalt News Agency, May 30).

EU to Urge Tehran to Sign IAEA Additional Protocol

Meanwhile, a European Union delegation is expected to urge Iran to sign an additional protocol to its International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards agreement during a three-day visit to Tehran Sunday, according to the Financial Times.  The additional protocol would permit the agency to conduct more intrusive inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.

“‘Sign, conclude, comply’ should be our message next week,” an EU diplomat said.  “If Iran has nothing to hide, then it should be open and transparent,” the diplomat said.

The EU believes it can use current trade negotiations with Iran as a bargaining chip to pressure Tehran into signing the additional protocol, according to the Times. 

“We have carrots and sticks,” a diplomat said.  “The question is how the EU will react if Iran does not comply,” the diplomat added (Judy Dempsey, Financial Times, May 30).

Military Action Unlikely, Washington Says

While the United States was prepared to go to war with Iraq over weapons of mass destruction, the situation with Iran’s nuclear efforts could require a different approach, U.S. national security adviser Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday.

“We’ve always said that every circumstance, every situation, requires a response that is tailored to that set of circumstances,” Rice said.

The United States plans to consider its options once the IAEA has released its report on Iran’s nuclear program, which is expected to occur next month, Rice said.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday criticized the United States for making demands of Tehran.

“We have to do this and that so they will remove us from the axis of evil,” Khamenei said.  “What kind of talk is this?  Who do they think they are?” he added (Straits Times, May 30).

About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines

HOME  |  CONTACT US  |  GET INVOLVED  |  SITE MAP

Back to top