Iran cannot obtain weapons-grade uranium: Russia

Moscow, Oct 28: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov has dismissed fears by the western countries that Iran might obtain weapons-grade uranium.

''I do not share concerns on this account. It is premature to talk about Iran obtaining weapons-grade uranium,'' Mr Ivanov told mediapersons yesterday while commenting on the reports, to the effect that Iran launched the second cascade of uranium enrichment centrifuges.

''I know what you are talking about: Iran has launched the second cascade of centrifuges, which are under the full control of the IAEA,'' Mr Ivanov pointed out, adding the centrifuges are working in a test mode, and no uranium is being enriched.

''It is important that the work done by Iran be fully controlled by the IAEA and this should not cause concern,'' Mr Ivanov noted.

The West led by US, has accused Iran of pursuing a covert weapons programme, which Tehran repeatedly denied, saying it needed nuclear energy for civilian needs.

US also called on Russia to halt work on the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, but Russia rejected the demand, citing Iran's right to nuclear power under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Britain, France, and Germany this week proposed sanctions against Iran that would limit the Bushehr nuclear power plant but not stop it. The plant being constructed under the supervision of the IAEA, was originally scheduled for commissioning at the end of 2006.

Last month, Russia agreed to supply fuel for the plant in March 2007, in time for its commissioning.

UNI

Related Stories