Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
March in to Parchin
by: Virtualnomad
The IAEA super inspectors are back from Iran. Here is the debriefing.
Super Inspectors
by: Virtualnomad
The IAEA's super nuclear inspectors are in Iran for a second day. Here's a behind-the-scenes peek.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Enrichment Supply & Technology Outside the U.S.
Via FAS's Ivanka Barzashka:
FAS has posted a report on “Enrichment Supply and Technology Outside the United States” by S. A. Levin and S. Blumkin from the Enrichment Department of the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, operated at the time by Union Carbide. The document, prepared for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration, reviews international uranium enrichment capacity and isotope separation technology as of 1977. Apart from being of historical interest, the report explicitly states that Eurodif, a French-organized multinational enrichment consortium, was in part owned by Iran.
Via FAS's Ivanka Barzashka:
FAS has posted a report on “Enrichment Supply and Technology Outside the United States” by S. A. Levin and S. Blumkin from the Enrichment Department of the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, operated at the time by Union Carbide. The document, prepared for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration, reviews international uranium enrichment capacity and isotope separation technology as of 1977. Apart from being of historical interest, the report explicitly states that Eurodif, a French-organized multinational enrichment consortium, was in part owned by Iran.
Friday, October 07, 2005
ElBaradei, UN Nuclear Watchdog, Win Nobel Peace Prize
The International Atomic Energy
Agency and its director general, Mohamed ElBaradei, won this
year's Nobel Peace prize for their work to prevent the military
use of nuclear energy, the Oslo-based Nobel Committee said
today.
ElBaradei, a 63-year-old Egyptian, and the Vienna-based
IAEA, established in 1957 under the slogan ``Atoms for Peace,''
were honored for working to prevent the spread of weapons of
mass destruction and for seeking to promote the use of nuclear
science for peaceful purposes, the committee said.
``At a time when the threat of nuclear arms is again
increasing, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to underline
that this threat must be met through the broadest possible
international cooperation,'' Ole Danbolt Mjoes, director of the
Nobel Committee which picks the winner, said.
The prize was awarded 60 years after atomic bombs fell on
the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing more
than 200,000 people. It may rejuvenate global efforts to
prevent the spread and development of nuclear arms in Iran and
North Korea, said researchers, including Espen Barth Eide, a
director of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.
The award should ``speed up efforts for the world to form
a more cohesive stance on disarmament and non-proliferation,''
Barth Eide said today in an interview. ``It addresses a number
of ongoing conflicts over nuclear issues in the world,
particularly in Iran.''
Inspections
One of the IAEA's main tasks is to ensure through
inspections that nations comply with international resolutions
to use nuclear material and facilities for peaceful purposes
and not to produce weapons. The group last month agreed to send
inspectors to North Korea when dictator Kim Jong Il honors a
promise to dismantle his nation's nuclear arms program and
rejoin global agreements to stop proliferation.
The agency is leading investigations into Iran's nuclear
program after the Islamic Republic in August removed IAEA seals
from a uranium conversion facility. Iran, with the world's
second-biggest oil reserves, says it wants enriched uranium to
generate electricity. The U.S. says Iran is trying to produce
material to build an atomic bomb.
A U.S.-backed resolution, submitted last month to the IAEA
by France, Germany and the U.K. and backed by 22 countries,
seeks to refer Iran's nuclear program to the UN Security
Council. The council has the power to impose economic
sanctions.
``The prize recognizes the number one danger that we face
today and that is the threat of nuclear weapons,'' ElBaradei
said at a press conference today in Vienna. ``The overwhelming
public support of the agency will help resolve the outstanding
issues of today including North Korea and Iran.''
Watched CNN
The director said he found out about winning the prize by
watching CNN television at home with his wife. The prize, worth
10 million kronor ($1.3 million), is split equally between the
ElBaradei and the IAEA.
A former New York University Law professor, ElBaradei was
an IAEA assistant director general for four years before taking
the helm in 1997. He was appointed to a third four-year term as
the agency's director in June.
Under his leadership, the IAEA sought to establish the
presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq before the 2003
invasion was ordered by President George W. Bush. Just days
before the attack, ElBaradei challenged U.S. claims that Iraq
sought to buy nuclear material from Niger.
U.S. Republican Senator Richard Lugar called the
committee's choice ``inspired and important.'' Lugar and former
Senator Sam Nunn were among favorites for the award this year
for their work to dismantle weapons of mass destruction from
the former Soviet Union and prevent these from falling into
terrorists hands.
New World Screwworm
The IAEA also works to develop nuclear technology that can
be used to aid efforts to reduce hunger and poverty and promote
healthcare. In 1988, the group joined forces with the UN Food
and Agricultural Organization and other agencies to eradicate
the New World Screwworm, which spreads a deadly livestock
disease. The radiation-based technology to kill the worm was
developed at the agency's Seibersdorf Laboratory.
``We need to work on development; we need to work on
security,'' ElBaradei said. ``You cannot have peace without
security and you cannot have security without development.''
Disarmament campaigners have won the prize before. The
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War won
the prize in 1985, on the 40th anniversary of the 1945 atomic
bombings. A decade later, Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash
Conferences on Science and World Affairs jointly won the prize
for working to reduce the role played by nuclear arms in
politics and to eliminate such weapons.
``This is the proudest moment of the IAEA,'' said Melissa
Fleming, a spokeswoman for the agency, today.
The peace prize, first awarded in 1901, was set up in the
will of Alfred Nobel, a Swede who invented dynamite. The five-
member Nobel committee, which keeps candidates' names secret,
received a record 199 nominations this year.
Nobel's Will
In his will, Nobel said the prize should go to whomever
has ``done the most or the best work for fraternity between the
nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and
for the holding and promotion of peace.''
Last year's award went to Kenya's Wangari Maathai for her
work to promote democracy and fight poverty by planting trees
in Africa.
The award is formally awarded at a ceremony in Oslo every
Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896. Nobel also
created prizes for achievements in physics, medicine, chemistry
and literature, which are handed out by the Stockholm-based
Nobel Foundation.
An economics award was established in memory of Nobel by
Sweden's central bank in 1969.
The International Atomic Energy
Agency and its director general, Mohamed ElBaradei, won this
year's Nobel Peace prize for their work to prevent the military
use of nuclear energy, the Oslo-based Nobel Committee said
today.
ElBaradei, a 63-year-old Egyptian, and the Vienna-based
IAEA, established in 1957 under the slogan ``Atoms for Peace,''
were honored for working to prevent the spread of weapons of
mass destruction and for seeking to promote the use of nuclear
science for peaceful purposes, the committee said.
``At a time when the threat of nuclear arms is again
increasing, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to underline
that this threat must be met through the broadest possible
international cooperation,'' Ole Danbolt Mjoes, director of the
Nobel Committee which picks the winner, said.
The prize was awarded 60 years after atomic bombs fell on
the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing more
than 200,000 people. It may rejuvenate global efforts to
prevent the spread and development of nuclear arms in Iran and
North Korea, said researchers, including Espen Barth Eide, a
director of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.
The award should ``speed up efforts for the world to form
a more cohesive stance on disarmament and non-proliferation,''
Barth Eide said today in an interview. ``It addresses a number
of ongoing conflicts over nuclear issues in the world,
particularly in Iran.''
Inspections
One of the IAEA's main tasks is to ensure through
inspections that nations comply with international resolutions
to use nuclear material and facilities for peaceful purposes
and not to produce weapons. The group last month agreed to send
inspectors to North Korea when dictator Kim Jong Il honors a
promise to dismantle his nation's nuclear arms program and
rejoin global agreements to stop proliferation.
The agency is leading investigations into Iran's nuclear
program after the Islamic Republic in August removed IAEA seals
from a uranium conversion facility. Iran, with the world's
second-biggest oil reserves, says it wants enriched uranium to
generate electricity. The U.S. says Iran is trying to produce
material to build an atomic bomb.
A U.S.-backed resolution, submitted last month to the IAEA
by France, Germany and the U.K. and backed by 22 countries,
seeks to refer Iran's nuclear program to the UN Security
Council. The council has the power to impose economic
sanctions.
``The prize recognizes the number one danger that we face
today and that is the threat of nuclear weapons,'' ElBaradei
said at a press conference today in Vienna. ``The overwhelming
public support of the agency will help resolve the outstanding
issues of today including North Korea and Iran.''
Watched CNN
The director said he found out about winning the prize by
watching CNN television at home with his wife. The prize, worth
10 million kronor ($1.3 million), is split equally between the
ElBaradei and the IAEA.
A former New York University Law professor, ElBaradei was
an IAEA assistant director general for four years before taking
the helm in 1997. He was appointed to a third four-year term as
the agency's director in June.
Under his leadership, the IAEA sought to establish the
presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq before the 2003
invasion was ordered by President George W. Bush. Just days
before the attack, ElBaradei challenged U.S. claims that Iraq
sought to buy nuclear material from Niger.
U.S. Republican Senator Richard Lugar called the
committee's choice ``inspired and important.'' Lugar and former
Senator Sam Nunn were among favorites for the award this year
for their work to dismantle weapons of mass destruction from
the former Soviet Union and prevent these from falling into
terrorists hands.
New World Screwworm
The IAEA also works to develop nuclear technology that can
be used to aid efforts to reduce hunger and poverty and promote
healthcare. In 1988, the group joined forces with the UN Food
and Agricultural Organization and other agencies to eradicate
the New World Screwworm, which spreads a deadly livestock
disease. The radiation-based technology to kill the worm was
developed at the agency's Seibersdorf Laboratory.
``We need to work on development; we need to work on
security,'' ElBaradei said. ``You cannot have peace without
security and you cannot have security without development.''
Disarmament campaigners have won the prize before. The
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War won
the prize in 1985, on the 40th anniversary of the 1945 atomic
bombings. A decade later, Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash
Conferences on Science and World Affairs jointly won the prize
for working to reduce the role played by nuclear arms in
politics and to eliminate such weapons.
``This is the proudest moment of the IAEA,'' said Melissa
Fleming, a spokeswoman for the agency, today.
The peace prize, first awarded in 1901, was set up in the
will of Alfred Nobel, a Swede who invented dynamite. The five-
member Nobel committee, which keeps candidates' names secret,
received a record 199 nominations this year.
Nobel's Will
In his will, Nobel said the prize should go to whomever
has ``done the most or the best work for fraternity between the
nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and
for the holding and promotion of peace.''
Last year's award went to Kenya's Wangari Maathai for her
work to promote democracy and fight poverty by planting trees
in Africa.
The award is formally awarded at a ceremony in Oslo every
Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896. Nobel also
created prizes for achievements in physics, medicine, chemistry
and literature, which are handed out by the Stockholm-based
Nobel Foundation.
An economics award was established in memory of Nobel by
Sweden's central bank in 1969.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Iran Will Go to UN Security Council Over Nuclear Work
Iran will be referred to the
United Nations Security Council after a divided nuclear
safeguards group cited the Islamic Republic's intention to make
atomic fuel as evidence its motives might not be ``peaceful.''
The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-member board
of governors voted today in favor of referring Iran to the UN
Security Council at a later date. The U.S.-backed resolution,
submitted yesterday by French, German and U.K. diplomats, cited
the ``absence of confidence that Iran's nuclear program is
exclusively for peaceful purposes.''
Brazil, China and Russia led a group of 12 counties that
abstained from the vote. Venezuela opposed referral. This is
the first time the board of the Vienna-based IAEA has been
split in a vote since February 2003, when it sent North Korea
to the Security Council.
``Today I see a divided board,'' said IAEA Director
General Mohamed ElBaradei. ``We can ill afford to be divided.''
The agency's board will choose the ``timing and content'' of
its report to the Security Council, ElBaradei said.
Diplomats have negotiated for six days in the Austrian
capital, trying to decide how to deal with Iran's decision to
remove IAEA seals from a uranium-conversion facility on Aug. 9.
Iran, with the world's second-biggest oil reserves, says it
wants to enrich uranium for atomic fuel used to generate
electricity. The U.S. says the Iranian leadership is trying to
produce material to build an atomic bomb.
`Deception, Concealment'
``Iran's pattern of deception, concealment and
confrontation is of increasing concern to the world
community,'' said U.S. ambassador to the IAEA Greg Schulte. He
called Iran's behavior a threat to international ``peace and
security.''
Iran could be formally referred to the Security Council as
soon as the IAEA's next board meeting, on Nov. 24. The Council
has the power to impose economic sanctions.
This is the eighth IAEA resolution in two years
criticizing Iran's nuclear program.
``The U.S. and U.K. wish to eliminate Iran's peaceful
nuclear fuel cycle,'' said Javad Vaidi, deputy director of
Iran's National Security Council. ``They will fail.''
Iran may re-start its uranium enrichment program if it's
sent to the Security Council, Iranian delegate Ali Asghar
Soltani said Sept. 21. ``This is very dangerous to go the way
of confrontation,'' Vaidi, said yesterday.
`Non-Compliance'
Iran is only the fifth country to be found in ``non-
compliance'' of its nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
obligations. The other countries were Libya, Iraq, North Korea
and Romania. All were sent to the UN Security Council.
``This is a resolution with a completely negative focus
that isn't politically objective,'' read a statement
distributed by the Venezuelan delegation.
Under IAEA bylaws, the board of governors is required to
submit a report to the UN's Security Council if a country is in
``non-compliance.''
Iran will be referred to the
United Nations Security Council after a divided nuclear
safeguards group cited the Islamic Republic's intention to make
atomic fuel as evidence its motives might not be ``peaceful.''
The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-member board
of governors voted today in favor of referring Iran to the UN
Security Council at a later date. The U.S.-backed resolution,
submitted yesterday by French, German and U.K. diplomats, cited
the ``absence of confidence that Iran's nuclear program is
exclusively for peaceful purposes.''
Brazil, China and Russia led a group of 12 counties that
abstained from the vote. Venezuela opposed referral. This is
the first time the board of the Vienna-based IAEA has been
split in a vote since February 2003, when it sent North Korea
to the Security Council.
``Today I see a divided board,'' said IAEA Director
General Mohamed ElBaradei. ``We can ill afford to be divided.''
The agency's board will choose the ``timing and content'' of
its report to the Security Council, ElBaradei said.
Diplomats have negotiated for six days in the Austrian
capital, trying to decide how to deal with Iran's decision to
remove IAEA seals from a uranium-conversion facility on Aug. 9.
Iran, with the world's second-biggest oil reserves, says it
wants to enrich uranium for atomic fuel used to generate
electricity. The U.S. says the Iranian leadership is trying to
produce material to build an atomic bomb.
`Deception, Concealment'
``Iran's pattern of deception, concealment and
confrontation is of increasing concern to the world
community,'' said U.S. ambassador to the IAEA Greg Schulte. He
called Iran's behavior a threat to international ``peace and
security.''
Iran could be formally referred to the Security Council as
soon as the IAEA's next board meeting, on Nov. 24. The Council
has the power to impose economic sanctions.
This is the eighth IAEA resolution in two years
criticizing Iran's nuclear program.
``The U.S. and U.K. wish to eliminate Iran's peaceful
nuclear fuel cycle,'' said Javad Vaidi, deputy director of
Iran's National Security Council. ``They will fail.''
Iran may re-start its uranium enrichment program if it's
sent to the Security Council, Iranian delegate Ali Asghar
Soltani said Sept. 21. ``This is very dangerous to go the way
of confrontation,'' Vaidi, said yesterday.
`Non-Compliance'
Iran is only the fifth country to be found in ``non-
compliance'' of its nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
obligations. The other countries were Libya, Iraq, North Korea
and Romania. All were sent to the UN Security Council.
``This is a resolution with a completely negative focus
that isn't politically objective,'' read a statement
distributed by the Venezuelan delegation.
Under IAEA bylaws, the board of governors is required to
submit a report to the UN's Security Council if a country is in
``non-compliance.''
Friday, September 23, 2005
EU Backs Off `Dangerous' UN Council Referral for Iran
The European Union submitted a
resolution that would delay a United Nations Security Council
referral over Iran's uranium enrichment intentions, after the
Iranian government said the threat could lead to confrontation.
The U.S.-backed resolution proposed by the EU says Iran is in
``non-compliance'' and that Iran's nuclear program has ``given
rise to questions that are within the competence of the Security
Council,'' according to a three-page copy distributed at the
International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna late today.
Diplomats have been trying to decide how to deal with Iran's
decision to remove IAEA seals from a uranium-conversion facility
on Aug. 9. Iran, with the world's second-biggest oil reserves,
says it wants enriched uranium to generate electricity. The U.S.
says the Iranian leadership is trying to produce material to build
an atomic bomb.
The IAEA will continue leading the investigation into Iran's
nuclear program, and its board of governors will address ``the
timing and content'' of a Security Council referral at a future
meeting, the resolution says. Iran could be sent to the Security
Council as early as Nov. 24, when the board of governors next
meets.
Earlier in the day, an Iranian government official warned
against a move to send the matter to the UN's highest body in New
York.
``This is very dangerous to go the way of confrontation,''
said Javad Vaidi, spokesman for Iran's National Security Council.
``We want a peaceful resolution to this issue.''
The IAEA's 35-member board plans to vote on the EU resolution
tomorrow, and support from 18 governments is needed for approval.
This would be the eighth IAEA resolution criticizing Iran in the
past two years.
Russian Opposition
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that he was
opposed to threatening Iran with a Security Council referral
because talks were advancing, the Interfax news agency reported.
Russia and China, both veto-wielding permanent members of the
Security Council, want Iran's nuclear program dealt with through
the IAEA, they said in statements delivered to the board
yesterday.
The Non-Aligned Movement of 14 countries also ``would prefer
a more constructive approach'' than the EU draft resolutions,
Malaysian delegate Rajmah Hussain said earlier. ``We're still
trying to negotiate a way out,'' she said.
The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that UN
sanctions would push the price of oil to $100 a barrel, Agence
France-Presse reported from Tehran, citing General Yahya Rahim
Safavi.
Reports from Tehran show that Iran is linking support for its
nuclear program to energy deals. Inpex Corp., Japan's biggest oil
explorer, may lose a $2.5 billion project to develop Iran's
Azadegan field if it supports the referral of the Iran dispute to
the Security Council, the Tehran Times reported. The National
Iranian Oil Co. subsidiary Petropars will participate in a
contract worth more than $2 billion to develop an oil field in
Venezuela, the newspaper said. Venezuela is against referral.
Energy Deals
Iran has been signing energy agreements with IAEA board
members. Iran is set to supply China with 10 million tons of
liquefied natural gas annually beginning in 2008, Iran's Oil
Ministry said July 6. It's also planning a $7.4 billion natural-
gas pipeline to India.
``Those countries that have economic transactions with Iran,
especially in the field of oil, have not defended Iran's right so
far,'' AFP cited Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani as
saying earlier this week. ``Based on how much they defend Iran's
national right will facilitate their participation.''
A meeting of the agency's governing board is in its fifth day
at IAEA headquarters in the Austrian capital.
The Non-Aligned Movement countries opposing sending Iran to
the Security Council are: Algeria, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, India,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia,
Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
The European Union submitted a
resolution that would delay a United Nations Security Council
referral over Iran's uranium enrichment intentions, after the
Iranian government said the threat could lead to confrontation.
The U.S.-backed resolution proposed by the EU says Iran is in
``non-compliance'' and that Iran's nuclear program has ``given
rise to questions that are within the competence of the Security
Council,'' according to a three-page copy distributed at the
International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna late today.
Diplomats have been trying to decide how to deal with Iran's
decision to remove IAEA seals from a uranium-conversion facility
on Aug. 9. Iran, with the world's second-biggest oil reserves,
says it wants enriched uranium to generate electricity. The U.S.
says the Iranian leadership is trying to produce material to build
an atomic bomb.
The IAEA will continue leading the investigation into Iran's
nuclear program, and its board of governors will address ``the
timing and content'' of a Security Council referral at a future
meeting, the resolution says. Iran could be sent to the Security
Council as early as Nov. 24, when the board of governors next
meets.
Earlier in the day, an Iranian government official warned
against a move to send the matter to the UN's highest body in New
York.
``This is very dangerous to go the way of confrontation,''
said Javad Vaidi, spokesman for Iran's National Security Council.
``We want a peaceful resolution to this issue.''
The IAEA's 35-member board plans to vote on the EU resolution
tomorrow, and support from 18 governments is needed for approval.
This would be the eighth IAEA resolution criticizing Iran in the
past two years.
Russian Opposition
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that he was
opposed to threatening Iran with a Security Council referral
because talks were advancing, the Interfax news agency reported.
Russia and China, both veto-wielding permanent members of the
Security Council, want Iran's nuclear program dealt with through
the IAEA, they said in statements delivered to the board
yesterday.
The Non-Aligned Movement of 14 countries also ``would prefer
a more constructive approach'' than the EU draft resolutions,
Malaysian delegate Rajmah Hussain said earlier. ``We're still
trying to negotiate a way out,'' she said.
The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that UN
sanctions would push the price of oil to $100 a barrel, Agence
France-Presse reported from Tehran, citing General Yahya Rahim
Safavi.
Reports from Tehran show that Iran is linking support for its
nuclear program to energy deals. Inpex Corp., Japan's biggest oil
explorer, may lose a $2.5 billion project to develop Iran's
Azadegan field if it supports the referral of the Iran dispute to
the Security Council, the Tehran Times reported. The National
Iranian Oil Co. subsidiary Petropars will participate in a
contract worth more than $2 billion to develop an oil field in
Venezuela, the newspaper said. Venezuela is against referral.
Energy Deals
Iran has been signing energy agreements with IAEA board
members. Iran is set to supply China with 10 million tons of
liquefied natural gas annually beginning in 2008, Iran's Oil
Ministry said July 6. It's also planning a $7.4 billion natural-
gas pipeline to India.
``Those countries that have economic transactions with Iran,
especially in the field of oil, have not defended Iran's right so
far,'' AFP cited Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani as
saying earlier this week. ``Based on how much they defend Iran's
national right will facilitate their participation.''
A meeting of the agency's governing board is in its fifth day
at IAEA headquarters in the Austrian capital.
The Non-Aligned Movement countries opposing sending Iran to
the Security Council are: Algeria, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, India,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia,
Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
EU Plan to Send Iran to UN Council Is Put on Hold
The European Union put on hold a U.S.-
backed proposal to send Iran to the United Nations Security
Council for possible sanctions after a group of developing nations
supported by China and Russia defended the Islamic Republic's
right to enrich uranium.
An alternative plan, offered by French, German and U.K.
diplomats at a meeting of the UN's International Atomic Energy
Agency, finds Iran in ``non-compliance'' with nuclear safeguards
agreements. The draft doesn't refer the dispute to the Security
Council, according to a copy obtained by Bloomberg News.
The new proposal from the ``EU-3,'' which also has U.S.
support, asks the IAEA to prepare a report that may be sent to the
council as early as November if Iran is still in ``non-
compliance'' or threatens ``peace and security.'' The Europeans
haven't withdrawn the tougher resolution, which would refer Iran
to the council immediately, leaving open the possibility they may
still force a vote to sanction the Islamic Republic.
``The suspension of Iran's enrichment and reprocessing
activities is a voluntary and non-legally-binding confidence-
building measure,'' said Malaysia's Rajmah Hussain, representing
the Non-Aligned Movement of 14 developing nations. The IAEA ``is
the sole competent authority for verification,'' he said.
A meeting of the agency's 35-member governing board was in
its fourth day at IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
Competing Resolution
A competing resolution proposed to the governors by the Non-
Aligned Movement asks Iran to ``continue its proactive
cooperation'' with the IAEA. The meeting was suspended until
tomorrow to give diplomats time to agree on the final wording of a
resolution on the issue.
Diplomats are trying to decide how to deal with Iran's
decision to remove seals from a uranium-conversion facility on
Aug. 9. Iran, with the world's second-biggest oil reserves, says
it wants enriched uranium to generate electricity. The U.S. says
the Islamic Republic wants the material to build an atomic bomb.
The EU says it's ``gravely concerned'' that Iran continues to
convert raw uranium into uranium hexafluoride gas at its Isfahan
facility. Western diplomats propose that IAEA inspectors be
granted ``unrestricted access'' to Iranian facilities, including
military sites at Parchin and Lavisan-Shian.
Iran's delegate to the IAEA, Mohamad Akhondzadeh, told
reporters the country ``is committed to its obligations.'' The
Islamic Republic wants to continue developing its nuclear
capability by creating international joint ventures to promote
investment and facilitate openness, he said.
Russia and China today issued statements urging diplomats at
the board meeting to resolve the issue at the IAEA and not to
refer the dispute to the Security Council. Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that a Security Council
referral would be ``counter-productive,'' RIA-Novosti reported.
``Whatever it takes to get the parties together is a good
move,'' IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said today in
Vienna. ``The best is to get a unanimous board.''
The Non-Aligned Movement countries opposing sending Iran to
the Security Council are: Algeria, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, India,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia,
Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
The European Union put on hold a U.S.-
backed proposal to send Iran to the United Nations Security
Council for possible sanctions after a group of developing nations
supported by China and Russia defended the Islamic Republic's
right to enrich uranium.
An alternative plan, offered by French, German and U.K.
diplomats at a meeting of the UN's International Atomic Energy
Agency, finds Iran in ``non-compliance'' with nuclear safeguards
agreements. The draft doesn't refer the dispute to the Security
Council, according to a copy obtained by Bloomberg News.
The new proposal from the ``EU-3,'' which also has U.S.
support, asks the IAEA to prepare a report that may be sent to the
council as early as November if Iran is still in ``non-
compliance'' or threatens ``peace and security.'' The Europeans
haven't withdrawn the tougher resolution, which would refer Iran
to the council immediately, leaving open the possibility they may
still force a vote to sanction the Islamic Republic.
``The suspension of Iran's enrichment and reprocessing
activities is a voluntary and non-legally-binding confidence-
building measure,'' said Malaysia's Rajmah Hussain, representing
the Non-Aligned Movement of 14 developing nations. The IAEA ``is
the sole competent authority for verification,'' he said.
A meeting of the agency's 35-member governing board was in
its fourth day at IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
Competing Resolution
A competing resolution proposed to the governors by the Non-
Aligned Movement asks Iran to ``continue its proactive
cooperation'' with the IAEA. The meeting was suspended until
tomorrow to give diplomats time to agree on the final wording of a
resolution on the issue.
Diplomats are trying to decide how to deal with Iran's
decision to remove seals from a uranium-conversion facility on
Aug. 9. Iran, with the world's second-biggest oil reserves, says
it wants enriched uranium to generate electricity. The U.S. says
the Islamic Republic wants the material to build an atomic bomb.
The EU says it's ``gravely concerned'' that Iran continues to
convert raw uranium into uranium hexafluoride gas at its Isfahan
facility. Western diplomats propose that IAEA inspectors be
granted ``unrestricted access'' to Iranian facilities, including
military sites at Parchin and Lavisan-Shian.
Iran's delegate to the IAEA, Mohamad Akhondzadeh, told
reporters the country ``is committed to its obligations.'' The
Islamic Republic wants to continue developing its nuclear
capability by creating international joint ventures to promote
investment and facilitate openness, he said.
Russia and China today issued statements urging diplomats at
the board meeting to resolve the issue at the IAEA and not to
refer the dispute to the Security Council. Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that a Security Council
referral would be ``counter-productive,'' RIA-Novosti reported.
``Whatever it takes to get the parties together is a good
move,'' IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said today in
Vienna. ``The best is to get a unanimous board.''
The Non-Aligned Movement countries opposing sending Iran to
the Security Council are: Algeria, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, India,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia,
Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Iran Wins Developing States' Support on UN Referral
Diplomats from developing nations
rejected calls by the U.S. and Europe to send Iran to the United
Nations Security Council for possible sanctions over its nuclear
program.
Iran's case ``should remain in the purview of the
International Atomic Energy Agency,'' according to a one-page
resolution drafted by the 14-member Non-Aligned Movement at this
week's meeting of the UN watchdog's 35-member board of governors.
The proposed resolution was written today after Iranian Vice
President Gholamreza Aghazadeh arrived in Vienna for the talks.
The IAEA board said it hopes Iranian and Western diplomats
will resume negotiations on the Islamic Republic's nuclear
program. The governors also said they can't forecast the outcome
of a resolution backed by the U.S. and Europe that would refer
the dispute over Iran to the Security Council.
Iran won't leave the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if
referred to the council, Iranian delegate Ali Asghar Soltani told
reporters in Vienna, denying a report that a pullout was
possible. Iran will resume uranium enrichment and withdraw from
voluntary inspection agreements if referred, he said. Agence
France-Presse yesterday reported Iran may leave the treaty.
``It's very hard to predict the outcome'' of the
negotiations, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said today
as the board met for a third day at the agency's Vienna offices.
``I still hope that people go back to negotiation.''
Uranium Enrichment
U.S. and European diplomats are pressing for an IAEA
resolution asking the Security Council to confront Iran about its
intention to enrich uranium. The board suspended further meetings
today and will convene again tomorrow.
The IAEA should ``give the Security Council an opportunity
to throw its weight and authority behind the Board's
resolutions,'' said U.K. diplomat Peter Jenkins in a statement to
the board on behalf of the European Union. ``It will give the
Security Council an opportunity to endorse the Board's calls for
confidence-building measures.''
The EU statement cited concern about Iran's resumption of
uranium conversion activities and lack of cooperation in
answering IAEA questions.
``A growing number of countries agree with the European
Union that the time has come to refer Iran to the Security
Council,'' the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA, Greg Schulte, said.
Canada, France, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. support reporting
Iran to the 15-member Security Council in New York.
Non-Aligned Stance
The 14 developing countries said they don't want a Security
Council referral for Iran to set a precedent. Iran's earlier
suspension of enrichment was ``a voluntary and non-legally
binding confidence-building measure,'' the head of the Non-
Aligned Movement, Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain, said on
Aug. 11.
Iran broke IAEA seals on an idled uranium-conversion plant
on Aug. 9. Iran says it needs nuclear fuel to generate
electricity. The U.S. says the Islamic Republic wants to build an
atomic bomb.
Iran, with the world's second-largest oil reserves, is
threatening to punish countries that support a Security Council
referral by restricting access to its energy sector, the Tehran
Times reported today.
Inpex Corp, Japan's biggest oil explorer, may lose a $2.5
billion project to develop Iran's Azadegan field if it supports
the referral of the Iran dispute to the Security Council, the
newspaper reported. The National Iranian Oil Co. subsidiary
Petropars will participate in a contract worth more than $2
billion to develop an oil field in Venezuela, according to Tehran
Times.
Venezuelan Backing
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking Iran's help in
developing a nuclear energy program for the South American
nation. Chavez said in March that Iran can count on his support
in its confrontation with the U.S. over its nuclear program.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was against
a Security Council referral yesterday, according to Russia's RIA-
Novosti news service. Lavrov said such a move would be
``counterproductive'' because Iran is cooperating with the IAEA,
the news service reported.
Russia is helping to build a $1 billion nuclear reactor at
Bushehr in Iran.
Diplomats from developing nations
rejected calls by the U.S. and Europe to send Iran to the United
Nations Security Council for possible sanctions over its nuclear
program.
Iran's case ``should remain in the purview of the
International Atomic Energy Agency,'' according to a one-page
resolution drafted by the 14-member Non-Aligned Movement at this
week's meeting of the UN watchdog's 35-member board of governors.
The proposed resolution was written today after Iranian Vice
President Gholamreza Aghazadeh arrived in Vienna for the talks.
The IAEA board said it hopes Iranian and Western diplomats
will resume negotiations on the Islamic Republic's nuclear
program. The governors also said they can't forecast the outcome
of a resolution backed by the U.S. and Europe that would refer
the dispute over Iran to the Security Council.
Iran won't leave the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if
referred to the council, Iranian delegate Ali Asghar Soltani told
reporters in Vienna, denying a report that a pullout was
possible. Iran will resume uranium enrichment and withdraw from
voluntary inspection agreements if referred, he said. Agence
France-Presse yesterday reported Iran may leave the treaty.
``It's very hard to predict the outcome'' of the
negotiations, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said today
as the board met for a third day at the agency's Vienna offices.
``I still hope that people go back to negotiation.''
Uranium Enrichment
U.S. and European diplomats are pressing for an IAEA
resolution asking the Security Council to confront Iran about its
intention to enrich uranium. The board suspended further meetings
today and will convene again tomorrow.
The IAEA should ``give the Security Council an opportunity
to throw its weight and authority behind the Board's
resolutions,'' said U.K. diplomat Peter Jenkins in a statement to
the board on behalf of the European Union. ``It will give the
Security Council an opportunity to endorse the Board's calls for
confidence-building measures.''
The EU statement cited concern about Iran's resumption of
uranium conversion activities and lack of cooperation in
answering IAEA questions.
``A growing number of countries agree with the European
Union that the time has come to refer Iran to the Security
Council,'' the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA, Greg Schulte, said.
Canada, France, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. support reporting
Iran to the 15-member Security Council in New York.
Non-Aligned Stance
The 14 developing countries said they don't want a Security
Council referral for Iran to set a precedent. Iran's earlier
suspension of enrichment was ``a voluntary and non-legally
binding confidence-building measure,'' the head of the Non-
Aligned Movement, Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain, said on
Aug. 11.
Iran broke IAEA seals on an idled uranium-conversion plant
on Aug. 9. Iran says it needs nuclear fuel to generate
electricity. The U.S. says the Islamic Republic wants to build an
atomic bomb.
Iran, with the world's second-largest oil reserves, is
threatening to punish countries that support a Security Council
referral by restricting access to its energy sector, the Tehran
Times reported today.
Inpex Corp, Japan's biggest oil explorer, may lose a $2.5
billion project to develop Iran's Azadegan field if it supports
the referral of the Iran dispute to the Security Council, the
newspaper reported. The National Iranian Oil Co. subsidiary
Petropars will participate in a contract worth more than $2
billion to develop an oil field in Venezuela, according to Tehran
Times.
Venezuelan Backing
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking Iran's help in
developing a nuclear energy program for the South American
nation. Chavez said in March that Iran can count on his support
in its confrontation with the U.S. over its nuclear program.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was against
a Security Council referral yesterday, according to Russia's RIA-
Novosti news service. Lavrov said such a move would be
``counterproductive'' because Iran is cooperating with the IAEA,
the news service reported.
Russia is helping to build a $1 billion nuclear reactor at
Bushehr in Iran.
Iran to Allow More UN Inspections of Nuclear Sites
Iran today agreed to allow stepped-
up inspections by United Nations atomic experts, as U.S. and
European delegates began negotiations to avoid the escalation of
a dispute over the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions.
``Iran isn't going for confrontation,'' the country's
ambassador to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency,
Mohamad Mahdi Akhondzeh, told reporters as the IAEA board of
governors met in Vienna to discuss Iran's nuclear program. ``Iran
is ready to fulfill the UN's requests for more inspections.''
Iran claims the right to enrich uranium, which can be used
to generate energy or make an atomic bomb. The U.S. and its
European allies want Iran to give up uranium enrichment, citing
the country's 20-year history of hidden nuclear activities.
The U.S. has threatened to refer Iran to the UN Security
Council, where it may face economic sanctions, unless the country
abandons uranium enrichment. `There is no consensus'' among the
35 IAEA governors on whether to refer the issue to the council.
Akhondzeh said.
The IAEA said it needs access to more people and sites
involved in Iran's nuclear program before the agency can assure
the world the country is using nuclear power only for peaceful
purposes. Iran resumed the conversion of raw uranium to uranium
hexafluoride gas at its Isfahan facility on Aug. 9. A uranium
enrichment facility at Natanz was sealed at the IAEA's request.
`Diplomatic Brinksmanship'
``We're going through a period of confrontation and
diplomatic brinksmanship,'' IAEA Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei told reporters in Vienna as talks began. ``All parties
have expressed their preference to return to negotiations.''
The IAEA is seeking more access to Iran's Parchin military
facility, ElBaradei told the board of governors. The agency also
needs documents explaining how Iran was able to access the
technology and equipment needed to enrich uranium. IAEA
inspectors were in Iran last week.
``I would like to see a united international community,''
ElBaradei said after being asked whether referring the dispute
over Iran to the UN Security Council would risk splitting the
IAEA's board. The board usually passes resolutions by consensus,
rather than submit to votes, in an effort to show unity.
`Confidence'
Iran, with the second-largest oil reserves in the world,
expects its energy needs to double in the next 20 years to about
60,000 megawatts annually. The country's legislature last year
approved plans for nuclear power to generate 20,000 megawatts of
energy for the country's 68 million people by 2025.
Akhondzeh said Iran wants to create international joint
ventures with companies to bring investment to the country's
nuclear program and facilitate openness.
``We're extending our hand to the private and public sectors
to develop a peaceful nuclear program,'' Akhondzeh said.
``Whatever activity we do would be fully open to inspections.''
The U.S. wants to block Iran, which it brands a state sponsor
of terrorism, from developing nuclear weapons. Germany, France
and the U.K., representing the European Union, had been in U.S.-
backed talks with Iran to limit its nuclear program in exchange
for economic incentives. Those talks broke down after Iran
resumed uranium conversion.
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for a ``far-
reaching'' compromise to the deadlock in a UN address in New York
Sept. 17. The country is willing to continue talks with the EU-3,
he said.
Investment Deals
Iran has signed energy and investment deals in the last year
with some of the IAEA board-member countries, including China,
India, Russia and Venezuela.
The Islamic Republic is set to supply China with 10 million
tons of liquefied natural gas annually beginning in 2008, Iran's
Oil Ministry said July 6. It's also planning a $7.4 billion
natural-gas pipeline to India.
Iran is paying Russia as much as $1 billion to build a
nuclear reactor in Bushehr. The reactor will be capable of
generating about 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Iran is
``aggressively enforcing'' quality control over the project to
meet international safety standards, the IAEA said in April.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking Iran's help in
developing a nuclear energy program for the South American
nation. Chavez said in March that Iran can count on his support
in its confrontation with the U.S. over its nuclear program.
The IAEA's board is comprised of Algeria, Argentina,
Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France,
Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea,
Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Tunisia, U.K., U.S., Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
Referral of the Iranian nuclear issue to the Security
Council would require a majority vote by the IAEA board.
A three-year dispute between the U.S. and North Korea ended
today with the communist nation's agreement to give up its
nuclear arsenal and rejoin a global treaty to halt the spread of
such weapons. In return, the U.S. is providing North Korea with
security guarantees.
``We pledge to work with North Korea to go back and do
inspections to ensure that all nuclear weapons programs have been
abandoned,'' ElBaradei said. ``What we see coming from Korea
gives me a lot of confidence that complex issues can be solved.
Iran today agreed to allow stepped-
up inspections by United Nations atomic experts, as U.S. and
European delegates began negotiations to avoid the escalation of
a dispute over the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions.
``Iran isn't going for confrontation,'' the country's
ambassador to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency,
Mohamad Mahdi Akhondzeh, told reporters as the IAEA board of
governors met in Vienna to discuss Iran's nuclear program. ``Iran
is ready to fulfill the UN's requests for more inspections.''
Iran claims the right to enrich uranium, which can be used
to generate energy or make an atomic bomb. The U.S. and its
European allies want Iran to give up uranium enrichment, citing
the country's 20-year history of hidden nuclear activities.
The U.S. has threatened to refer Iran to the UN Security
Council, where it may face economic sanctions, unless the country
abandons uranium enrichment. `There is no consensus'' among the
35 IAEA governors on whether to refer the issue to the council.
Akhondzeh said.
The IAEA said it needs access to more people and sites
involved in Iran's nuclear program before the agency can assure
the world the country is using nuclear power only for peaceful
purposes. Iran resumed the conversion of raw uranium to uranium
hexafluoride gas at its Isfahan facility on Aug. 9. A uranium
enrichment facility at Natanz was sealed at the IAEA's request.
`Diplomatic Brinksmanship'
``We're going through a period of confrontation and
diplomatic brinksmanship,'' IAEA Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei told reporters in Vienna as talks began. ``All parties
have expressed their preference to return to negotiations.''
The IAEA is seeking more access to Iran's Parchin military
facility, ElBaradei told the board of governors. The agency also
needs documents explaining how Iran was able to access the
technology and equipment needed to enrich uranium. IAEA
inspectors were in Iran last week.
``I would like to see a united international community,''
ElBaradei said after being asked whether referring the dispute
over Iran to the UN Security Council would risk splitting the
IAEA's board. The board usually passes resolutions by consensus,
rather than submit to votes, in an effort to show unity.
`Confidence'
Iran, with the second-largest oil reserves in the world,
expects its energy needs to double in the next 20 years to about
60,000 megawatts annually. The country's legislature last year
approved plans for nuclear power to generate 20,000 megawatts of
energy for the country's 68 million people by 2025.
Akhondzeh said Iran wants to create international joint
ventures with companies to bring investment to the country's
nuclear program and facilitate openness.
``We're extending our hand to the private and public sectors
to develop a peaceful nuclear program,'' Akhondzeh said.
``Whatever activity we do would be fully open to inspections.''
The U.S. wants to block Iran, which it brands a state sponsor
of terrorism, from developing nuclear weapons. Germany, France
and the U.K., representing the European Union, had been in U.S.-
backed talks with Iran to limit its nuclear program in exchange
for economic incentives. Those talks broke down after Iran
resumed uranium conversion.
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for a ``far-
reaching'' compromise to the deadlock in a UN address in New York
Sept. 17. The country is willing to continue talks with the EU-3,
he said.
Investment Deals
Iran has signed energy and investment deals in the last year
with some of the IAEA board-member countries, including China,
India, Russia and Venezuela.
The Islamic Republic is set to supply China with 10 million
tons of liquefied natural gas annually beginning in 2008, Iran's
Oil Ministry said July 6. It's also planning a $7.4 billion
natural-gas pipeline to India.
Iran is paying Russia as much as $1 billion to build a
nuclear reactor in Bushehr. The reactor will be capable of
generating about 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Iran is
``aggressively enforcing'' quality control over the project to
meet international safety standards, the IAEA said in April.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking Iran's help in
developing a nuclear energy program for the South American
nation. Chavez said in March that Iran can count on his support
in its confrontation with the U.S. over its nuclear program.
The IAEA's board is comprised of Algeria, Argentina,
Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France,
Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea,
Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Tunisia, U.K., U.S., Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
Referral of the Iranian nuclear issue to the Security
Council would require a majority vote by the IAEA board.
A three-year dispute between the U.S. and North Korea ended
today with the communist nation's agreement to give up its
nuclear arsenal and rejoin a global treaty to halt the spread of
such weapons. In return, the U.S. is providing North Korea with
security guarantees.
``We pledge to work with North Korea to go back and do
inspections to ensure that all nuclear weapons programs have been
abandoned,'' ElBaradei said. ``What we see coming from Korea
gives me a lot of confidence that complex issues can be solved.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
U.S., EU Want Iran Sent Before UN Security Council
U.S. and European diplomats drafted
a resolution asking the United Nations Security Council to
confront Iran about its intention to enrich uranium.
The resolution asks the UN's International Atomic Energy
Agency to report Iran to the Security Council, according to a
four-page draft obtained by Bloomberg News. The 15-member council
should tell Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, it said.
Iran could leave the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, if it
faces ``the language of force,'' Agence France-Presse cited
Iran's nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, as saying in Tehran.
Calls to send Iran before the Security Council intensified
after talks with France, Germany and the U.K., representing the
European Union, collapsed last month. Iran broke IAEA seals on an
idled uranium conversion plant on Aug. 9. Iran says it needs
nuclear fuel to generate electricity. The U.S. says the Islamic
Republic wants to build an atomic bomb.
``I would like to see a united international community,''
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said yesterday when he
was asked whether referring the dispute to the UN Security
Council could split the 35-member IAEA board. The board usually
passes resolutions by consensus, rather than by votes, in an
effort to show unity. The last time the board of governors voted
was in 2003, when it sent North Korea's dossier to the Council.
No Guarantee
A Security Council referral isn't guaranteed in Iran's case.
Iran has been talking with IAEA board members including China,
India, Russia, South Africa and India to forestall a resolution.
As many as 14 developing countries, members of the non-
aligned movement, say they will oppose a Security Council
referral. The group doesn't want Iran's idled facilities to set a
precedent. Diplomats from the IAEA's board of governors are
meeting for a second day in Vienna to discuss Iran's nuclear
ambitions.
Iran's earlier suspension of enrichment was ``a voluntary
and non-legally binding confidence building measure and it should
not be interpreted in any way as inhibiting or restricting the
inalienable right of member states to develop atomic energy,''
said the non-aligned group's head, Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah
Hussain, on Aug. 11.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatened a break
from his country's diplomatic efforts if countries try to take
away its ability to develop nuclear technology.
``If some try to impose their will on the Iranian people
through resort to a language of force and threat with Iran, we
will reconsider our entire approach to the nuclear issue,''
Ahmadinejad told the UN General Assembly on Sept. 14.
`Energetic Action'
The IAEA has been lobbying members to change the nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty to prevent members from withdrawing. The UN
Security Council should take ``energetic action'' against
countries like North Korea, which withdrew from the treaty in
2003, the agency's former chief spokesman Mark Gwozdecky said in
January.
``A country that withdraws is automatically a threat to
international peace and security,'' said Gwozdecky, who left the
IAEA last month to return to Canada's foreign ministry.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, drafted in 1968 and
ratified by Iran in 1970, is a point of contention between Iran
and the U.S. The treaty gives all signatories the legal right to
enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Iran, with the world's second biggest oil reserves, has been
signing energy deals with IAEA board members. The Islamic
Republic is set to supply China with 10 million tons of liquefied
natural gas annually beginning in 2008, Iran's Oil Ministry said
July 6. It's also planning a $7.4 billion natural-gas pipeline to
India.
Oil Link
In Tehran today, Larijani made a clear link between oil
deals and support for Iran at the IAEA, AFP reported.
``Those countries that have economic transactions with Iran,
especially in the field of oil, have not defended Iran's right so
far,'' AFP cited Larijani as saying. ``Based on how much they
defend Iran's national right will facilitate their participation
in Iran's economic field.''
The Iranians' oil trade ``leads them to believe they've
become a supplier of choice in Asia,'' said former UN Deputy
Director General, Giandomenico Picco, who helped negotiate the
end to the Iraq-Iran war. Their reliance upon the West isn't as
important as what it was.''
The IAEA board is comprised of Algeria, Argentina,
Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France,
Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea,
Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Tunisia, U.K., U.S., Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
U.S. and European diplomats drafted
a resolution asking the United Nations Security Council to
confront Iran about its intention to enrich uranium.
The resolution asks the UN's International Atomic Energy
Agency to report Iran to the Security Council, according to a
four-page draft obtained by Bloomberg News. The 15-member council
should tell Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, it said.
Iran could leave the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, if it
faces ``the language of force,'' Agence France-Presse cited
Iran's nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, as saying in Tehran.
Calls to send Iran before the Security Council intensified
after talks with France, Germany and the U.K., representing the
European Union, collapsed last month. Iran broke IAEA seals on an
idled uranium conversion plant on Aug. 9. Iran says it needs
nuclear fuel to generate electricity. The U.S. says the Islamic
Republic wants to build an atomic bomb.
``I would like to see a united international community,''
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said yesterday when he
was asked whether referring the dispute to the UN Security
Council could split the 35-member IAEA board. The board usually
passes resolutions by consensus, rather than by votes, in an
effort to show unity. The last time the board of governors voted
was in 2003, when it sent North Korea's dossier to the Council.
No Guarantee
A Security Council referral isn't guaranteed in Iran's case.
Iran has been talking with IAEA board members including China,
India, Russia, South Africa and India to forestall a resolution.
As many as 14 developing countries, members of the non-
aligned movement, say they will oppose a Security Council
referral. The group doesn't want Iran's idled facilities to set a
precedent. Diplomats from the IAEA's board of governors are
meeting for a second day in Vienna to discuss Iran's nuclear
ambitions.
Iran's earlier suspension of enrichment was ``a voluntary
and non-legally binding confidence building measure and it should
not be interpreted in any way as inhibiting or restricting the
inalienable right of member states to develop atomic energy,''
said the non-aligned group's head, Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah
Hussain, on Aug. 11.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatened a break
from his country's diplomatic efforts if countries try to take
away its ability to develop nuclear technology.
``If some try to impose their will on the Iranian people
through resort to a language of force and threat with Iran, we
will reconsider our entire approach to the nuclear issue,''
Ahmadinejad told the UN General Assembly on Sept. 14.
`Energetic Action'
The IAEA has been lobbying members to change the nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty to prevent members from withdrawing. The UN
Security Council should take ``energetic action'' against
countries like North Korea, which withdrew from the treaty in
2003, the agency's former chief spokesman Mark Gwozdecky said in
January.
``A country that withdraws is automatically a threat to
international peace and security,'' said Gwozdecky, who left the
IAEA last month to return to Canada's foreign ministry.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, drafted in 1968 and
ratified by Iran in 1970, is a point of contention between Iran
and the U.S. The treaty gives all signatories the legal right to
enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Iran, with the world's second biggest oil reserves, has been
signing energy deals with IAEA board members. The Islamic
Republic is set to supply China with 10 million tons of liquefied
natural gas annually beginning in 2008, Iran's Oil Ministry said
July 6. It's also planning a $7.4 billion natural-gas pipeline to
India.
Oil Link
In Tehran today, Larijani made a clear link between oil
deals and support for Iran at the IAEA, AFP reported.
``Those countries that have economic transactions with Iran,
especially in the field of oil, have not defended Iran's right so
far,'' AFP cited Larijani as saying. ``Based on how much they
defend Iran's national right will facilitate their participation
in Iran's economic field.''
The Iranians' oil trade ``leads them to believe they've
become a supplier of choice in Asia,'' said former UN Deputy
Director General, Giandomenico Picco, who helped negotiate the
end to the Iraq-Iran war. Their reliance upon the West isn't as
important as what it was.''
The IAEA board is comprised of Algeria, Argentina,
Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France,
Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea,
Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Tunisia, U.K., U.S., Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Iran Says UN Nuclear Referral Isn't in U.S. Interests
Iran's new top nuclear negotiator,
Ali Ardshir Larijani, said a United Nations Security Council
referral on Iran's nuclear program wouldn't be in U.S. interests
and that it will widen talks beyond Britain, France and Germany.
``A referral to the Security Council isn't in the interest
of the Americans or the Europeans,'' said Larijani at a press
conference in Vienna. ``I am optimistic that we can pursue more
negotiations.''
Iran will expand talks beyond the so-called EU-3 to include
developing countries like Brazil and South Africa, Larijani said.
At the same time, Iran may pursue ``parallel track'' negotiations
with the Europeans. France canceled the next round of talks that
had been scheduled for Aug. 31. The country wants to present a
plan for ending its deadlock with the Europeans within the next
month, Larijani said.
It's the first foreign trip by Larijani since he replaced
Hassan Rowhani on Aug. 15 as head of the Supreme National
Security Council. International Atomic Energy Agency chief
Mohamed ElBaradei met Larijani today to discuss ``confidence-
building measures'' the country had agreed to with the
organization. Iran resumed uranium processing on Aug. 5. Enriched
uranium is the fuel used to generate electricity or nuclear
weapons.
Calling the IAEA Iran's ``main counterpart'' in its
negotiations, Larijani stuck by earlier statements that Iran
won't give up its nuclear fuel program. The IAEA is due to
produce a report detailing Iran's resumption of uranium
conversion on Sept. 3.
U.S. Position
The U.S. government said it would refer Iran to the Security
Council unless it halts its uranium processing program. Iran
rejected an IAEA resolution on Aug. 11 urging it to freeze the
program.
``If Iran doesn't take the steps described in the
resolution, we would expect that the next step would be referral
to the Security Council,'' Adam Ereli, deputy State Department
spokesman, said.
Arguments that Iran doesn't need nuclear power because it
has the world's second largest oil reserves ``don't have much
ground,'' Larijani said. ``Fossil fuels are on the decline at a
global level.''
Iran's oil production is depleting between 300,000 barrels
and 400,000 barrels of daily output a year, the nation's energy
minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, said July 26. Iran's 4.11
million barrel daily production quota is the second highest in
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
`Nuclear Apartheid'
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. Iran's legislature last
year approved plans for nuclear power to generate 20,000
megawatts of energy for the country's 68 million people by 2025.
Iran's first electricity from nuclear power will be
generated next year, Larijani said. The reactor at Bushehr, a $1
billion venture built with Russian scientists and engineers, will
generate about 1,000 megawatts of electricity. The country will
unveil more planned reactors this year.
``The nuclear powers have it in the back of their mind to
form a nuclear fuel cartel,'' said Larijani. ``There is a nuclear
apartheid taking shape.''
One of two representatives on Iran's security council
appointed by the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, Larijani was formerly Minister of Culture and Islamic
Guidance.
Iran's new top nuclear negotiator,
Ali Ardshir Larijani, said a United Nations Security Council
referral on Iran's nuclear program wouldn't be in U.S. interests
and that it will widen talks beyond Britain, France and Germany.
``A referral to the Security Council isn't in the interest
of the Americans or the Europeans,'' said Larijani at a press
conference in Vienna. ``I am optimistic that we can pursue more
negotiations.''
Iran will expand talks beyond the so-called EU-3 to include
developing countries like Brazil and South Africa, Larijani said.
At the same time, Iran may pursue ``parallel track'' negotiations
with the Europeans. France canceled the next round of talks that
had been scheduled for Aug. 31. The country wants to present a
plan for ending its deadlock with the Europeans within the next
month, Larijani said.
It's the first foreign trip by Larijani since he replaced
Hassan Rowhani on Aug. 15 as head of the Supreme National
Security Council. International Atomic Energy Agency chief
Mohamed ElBaradei met Larijani today to discuss ``confidence-
building measures'' the country had agreed to with the
organization. Iran resumed uranium processing on Aug. 5. Enriched
uranium is the fuel used to generate electricity or nuclear
weapons.
Calling the IAEA Iran's ``main counterpart'' in its
negotiations, Larijani stuck by earlier statements that Iran
won't give up its nuclear fuel program. The IAEA is due to
produce a report detailing Iran's resumption of uranium
conversion on Sept. 3.
U.S. Position
The U.S. government said it would refer Iran to the Security
Council unless it halts its uranium processing program. Iran
rejected an IAEA resolution on Aug. 11 urging it to freeze the
program.
``If Iran doesn't take the steps described in the
resolution, we would expect that the next step would be referral
to the Security Council,'' Adam Ereli, deputy State Department
spokesman, said.
Arguments that Iran doesn't need nuclear power because it
has the world's second largest oil reserves ``don't have much
ground,'' Larijani said. ``Fossil fuels are on the decline at a
global level.''
Iran's oil production is depleting between 300,000 barrels
and 400,000 barrels of daily output a year, the nation's energy
minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, said July 26. Iran's 4.11
million barrel daily production quota is the second highest in
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
`Nuclear Apartheid'
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. Iran's legislature last
year approved plans for nuclear power to generate 20,000
megawatts of energy for the country's 68 million people by 2025.
Iran's first electricity from nuclear power will be
generated next year, Larijani said. The reactor at Bushehr, a $1
billion venture built with Russian scientists and engineers, will
generate about 1,000 megawatts of electricity. The country will
unveil more planned reactors this year.
``The nuclear powers have it in the back of their mind to
form a nuclear fuel cartel,'' said Larijani. ``There is a nuclear
apartheid taking shape.''
One of two representatives on Iran's security council
appointed by the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, Larijani was formerly Minister of Culture and Islamic
Guidance.
Friday, August 12, 2005
UN Referral for Iran Nuclear Program Is `Next Step,' U.S. Says
The U.S. government said it will
refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council unless it halts
its uranium processing program, after the Iranian government
rejected calls from a nuclear watchdog to stop the work.
Iran rejected a resolution from the United Nations
International Atomic Energy Agency urging it to freeze the
uranium processing, which it restarted on Aug. 8, and vowed to
become a nuclear fuel exporter within the next decade.
``If Iran doesn't take the steps described in the
resolution, we would expect that the next step would be referral
to the Security Council,'' Adam Ereli, deputy State Department
spokesman, said yesterday at a press briefing in Washington.
The resolution ``expresses serious concern'' and ``urges
Iran to re-establish full suspension of all enrichment related
activities'' and allow the IAEA to put back seals on equipment at
a plant in central Iran, according to the text. U.S. opposition
to Iran's program is driven by concern that nuclear materials
might be handed to terrorist groups.
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei was requested to
report on Iran's compliance by Sept. 3 under the resolution.
French, German and U.K. diplomats wrote the measure.
Yesterday's resolution ``is a vote of no-confidence in the
agency,'' said the Middle Eastern country's chief delegate to the
IAEA in Vienna, Cyrus Nasseri, at a press conference today in
Vienna. ``It is absurd.''
`Dangerous Course'
The U.S. and its European allies want to stop Iran from
pursuing research efforts that may lead to the building of a
nuclear weapon.
The document ``shows that the international community is
united in determining that Iran move off the dangerous course
that it is on,'' said the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA, Greg
Schulte.
Iran implemented a voluntary freeze on its uranium
processing in November. The IAEA asked it to suspend developing
the nuclear fuel cycle in order to ``build confidence'' among
member states that its program was for peaceful purposes only.
Iran has in the past given false information to UN inspectors
about its atomic program.
Iranian officials on Aug. 10 removed UN seals on equipment
used in uranium enrichment at a facility in Isfahan. Isfahan is
the site of Iran's largest nuclear research center, employing as
many as 3,000 scientists, and may be the primary location of
Iran's nuclear weapons program, according to the Web site of the
defense research organization GlobalSecurity.org.
The three European allies of the U.S. have been conducting
negotiations with Iran on limiting its enrichment program, a
process that produces the material to fuel a nuclear power plant
or bomb. The U.S. government, which has no formal diplomatic ties
with Iran, hasn't officially joined the talks.
Fuel Plans
Iran, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries, will develop its nuclear fuel
capability for future exports, Nasseri said yesterday. The
country will continue converting raw uranium into uranium
hexafluoride gas at its Isfahan plant, Nasseri said. Iran will
keep its enrichment facility in Natanz, south of Tehran, closed
for now, he said.
``We'd like to be a supplier of energy as we are in oil and
gas as well,'' Nasseri said.
ElBaradei yesterday confirmed that Isfahan was under agency
observation with inspectors on the ground. The plant, located in
central Iran, isn't capable of enriching uranium, according to
the IAEA.
``Whether Iran resumes full suspension is up to Iran to
decide,'' said ElBaradei, a 63-year-old former Egyptian diplomat.
``There's a window of opportunity to regulate the situation.''
The IAEA resolution also urged Iran to continue negotiating
with the EU-3 to overcome the current impasse. The director
general was ``encouraged by statements'' that talks would
continue.
The U.S. government said it will
refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council unless it halts
its uranium processing program, after the Iranian government
rejected calls from a nuclear watchdog to stop the work.
Iran rejected a resolution from the United Nations
International Atomic Energy Agency urging it to freeze the
uranium processing, which it restarted on Aug. 8, and vowed to
become a nuclear fuel exporter within the next decade.
``If Iran doesn't take the steps described in the
resolution, we would expect that the next step would be referral
to the Security Council,'' Adam Ereli, deputy State Department
spokesman, said yesterday at a press briefing in Washington.
The resolution ``expresses serious concern'' and ``urges
Iran to re-establish full suspension of all enrichment related
activities'' and allow the IAEA to put back seals on equipment at
a plant in central Iran, according to the text. U.S. opposition
to Iran's program is driven by concern that nuclear materials
might be handed to terrorist groups.
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei was requested to
report on Iran's compliance by Sept. 3 under the resolution.
French, German and U.K. diplomats wrote the measure.
Yesterday's resolution ``is a vote of no-confidence in the
agency,'' said the Middle Eastern country's chief delegate to the
IAEA in Vienna, Cyrus Nasseri, at a press conference today in
Vienna. ``It is absurd.''
`Dangerous Course'
The U.S. and its European allies want to stop Iran from
pursuing research efforts that may lead to the building of a
nuclear weapon.
The document ``shows that the international community is
united in determining that Iran move off the dangerous course
that it is on,'' said the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA, Greg
Schulte.
Iran implemented a voluntary freeze on its uranium
processing in November. The IAEA asked it to suspend developing
the nuclear fuel cycle in order to ``build confidence'' among
member states that its program was for peaceful purposes only.
Iran has in the past given false information to UN inspectors
about its atomic program.
Iranian officials on Aug. 10 removed UN seals on equipment
used in uranium enrichment at a facility in Isfahan. Isfahan is
the site of Iran's largest nuclear research center, employing as
many as 3,000 scientists, and may be the primary location of
Iran's nuclear weapons program, according to the Web site of the
defense research organization GlobalSecurity.org.
The three European allies of the U.S. have been conducting
negotiations with Iran on limiting its enrichment program, a
process that produces the material to fuel a nuclear power plant
or bomb. The U.S. government, which has no formal diplomatic ties
with Iran, hasn't officially joined the talks.
Fuel Plans
Iran, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries, will develop its nuclear fuel
capability for future exports, Nasseri said yesterday. The
country will continue converting raw uranium into uranium
hexafluoride gas at its Isfahan plant, Nasseri said. Iran will
keep its enrichment facility in Natanz, south of Tehran, closed
for now, he said.
``We'd like to be a supplier of energy as we are in oil and
gas as well,'' Nasseri said.
ElBaradei yesterday confirmed that Isfahan was under agency
observation with inspectors on the ground. The plant, located in
central Iran, isn't capable of enriching uranium, according to
the IAEA.
``Whether Iran resumes full suspension is up to Iran to
decide,'' said ElBaradei, a 63-year-old former Egyptian diplomat.
``There's a window of opportunity to regulate the situation.''
The IAEA resolution also urged Iran to continue negotiating
with the EU-3 to overcome the current impasse. The director
general was ``encouraged by statements'' that talks would
continue.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Iran rejected a resolution from the
United Nations nuclear watchdog agency urging it to freeze a
uranium processing program, and vowed to become a nuclear fuel
exporter within the next decade.
The resolution ``is a vote of no-confidence in the agency,''
said the Middle Eastern country's chief delegate to the
International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Cyrus Nasseri, at a
press conference today in Vienna. ``It is absurd.''
The IAEA's 35-member board of governors earlier passed a
resolution drafted by European diplomats criticizing Iran's
resumption of uranium processing and calling on the Islamic
government to freeze its nuclear fuel program. The U.S. and its
European allies want to stop Iran from pursuing research efforts
that may lead to the building of a nuclear weapon.
The resolution ``expresses serious concern'' and ``urges Iran
to re-establish full suspension of all enrichment related
activities'' and allow the IAEA to put back seals on equipment at
a plant in central Iran, according to the text. It asked IAEA
Director General Mohamed ElBaradei to report on Iran's compliance
by Sept. 3. French, German and U.K. diplomats wrote the measure.
`Dangerous Course'
The document ``shows that the international community is
united in determining that Iran move off the dangerous course that
it is on,'' said the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA, Greg Schulte.
Iran implemented a voluntary freeze on its uranium processing
in November. The IAEA asked it to suspend developing the nuclear
fuel cycle in order to ``build confidence'' among member states
that its program was for peaceful purposes only. Iran has in the
past given false information to UN inspectors about its atomic
program.
Iranian officials yesterday removed UN seals on equipment
used in uranium enrichment at a facility in Isfahan. Isfahan is
the site of Iran's largest nuclear research center, employing as
many as 3,000 scientists, and may be the primary location of
Iran's nuclear weapons program, according to the Web site of the
defense research organization GlobalSecurity.org.
U.S. opposition to Iran's program is driven by concerns that
nuclear materials might be handed to terrorist groups. The Bush
administration has maintained its support for negotiations as a
way to solve the dispute, and President George W. Bush this week
welcomed plans from Iran's new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to
offer new ideas in that framework.
Ahmadinejad's Visa
Bush said today he expects the U.S. to issue a visa to
Ahmadinejad to allow him to attend the UN General Assembly in New
York in September. The Iranian leader plans to address the UN
Millennium Summit and the General Assembly.
Bush said the U.S. is ``still investigating allegations''
that Ahmadinejad was involved in the 1979 seizure of U.S. hostages
in Tehran, a charge Iran has denied. Morteza Ramandi, spokesman
for Iran's mission to the UN, said yesterday that Ahmadinejad
applied for a visa, is awaiting a response and that Iran is not
aware of any problem.
The three European allies of the U.S. have been conducting
negotiations with Iran on limiting its enrichment program, a
process that produces the material to fuel a nuclear power plant
or bomb. The U.S. government, which has no formal diplomatic ties
with Iran, hasn't officially joined the talks.
Fuel Plans
Iran, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries, will develop its nuclear fuel
capability for future exports, Nasseri said. The country will
continue converting raw uranium into uranium hexafluoride gas at
its Isfahan plant, Nasseri said. Iran will keep its enrichment
facility in Natanz, south of Tehran, closed for now, he said.
``We like to be a supplier of energy as we are in oil and gas
as well,'' Nasseri said.
ElBaradei confirmed that Isfahan was under agency observation
with inspectors on the ground. The plant, located in central Iran,
isn't capable of enriching uranium, according to the IAEA.
``Whether Iran resumes full suspension is up to Iran to
decide,'' said ElBaradei, a 63-year-old former Egyptian diplomat.
``There's a window of opportunity to regulate the situation.''
The IAEA resolution also urged Iran to continue negotiating
with the EU-3 to overcome the current impasse. The director
general was ``encouraged by statements'' that talks would
continue.
`Not Iraq'
The Iranian delegation's statement delivered to the IAEA's
board of governors singled out the U.S. for its fiercest
criticism. Iran highlighted the U.S.'s unproven allegation of a
functioning nuclear weapons program in Iraq and its decision to
invade the country in March 2003. The delegates said that the U.S.
was using the same tactics against Iran.
``Iran is not Iraq, and the United States is not the self-
appointed policeman of the world anymore,'' the two-page statement
said.
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. The government said it
wants to generate about 20,000 megawatts of nuclear power for the
country's 68 million people by 2025, Nasseri said.
United Nations nuclear watchdog agency urging it to freeze a
uranium processing program, and vowed to become a nuclear fuel
exporter within the next decade.
The resolution ``is a vote of no-confidence in the agency,''
said the Middle Eastern country's chief delegate to the
International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Cyrus Nasseri, at a
press conference today in Vienna. ``It is absurd.''
The IAEA's 35-member board of governors earlier passed a
resolution drafted by European diplomats criticizing Iran's
resumption of uranium processing and calling on the Islamic
government to freeze its nuclear fuel program. The U.S. and its
European allies want to stop Iran from pursuing research efforts
that may lead to the building of a nuclear weapon.
The resolution ``expresses serious concern'' and ``urges Iran
to re-establish full suspension of all enrichment related
activities'' and allow the IAEA to put back seals on equipment at
a plant in central Iran, according to the text. It asked IAEA
Director General Mohamed ElBaradei to report on Iran's compliance
by Sept. 3. French, German and U.K. diplomats wrote the measure.
`Dangerous Course'
The document ``shows that the international community is
united in determining that Iran move off the dangerous course that
it is on,'' said the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA, Greg Schulte.
Iran implemented a voluntary freeze on its uranium processing
in November. The IAEA asked it to suspend developing the nuclear
fuel cycle in order to ``build confidence'' among member states
that its program was for peaceful purposes only. Iran has in the
past given false information to UN inspectors about its atomic
program.
Iranian officials yesterday removed UN seals on equipment
used in uranium enrichment at a facility in Isfahan. Isfahan is
the site of Iran's largest nuclear research center, employing as
many as 3,000 scientists, and may be the primary location of
Iran's nuclear weapons program, according to the Web site of the
defense research organization GlobalSecurity.org.
U.S. opposition to Iran's program is driven by concerns that
nuclear materials might be handed to terrorist groups. The Bush
administration has maintained its support for negotiations as a
way to solve the dispute, and President George W. Bush this week
welcomed plans from Iran's new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to
offer new ideas in that framework.
Ahmadinejad's Visa
Bush said today he expects the U.S. to issue a visa to
Ahmadinejad to allow him to attend the UN General Assembly in New
York in September. The Iranian leader plans to address the UN
Millennium Summit and the General Assembly.
Bush said the U.S. is ``still investigating allegations''
that Ahmadinejad was involved in the 1979 seizure of U.S. hostages
in Tehran, a charge Iran has denied. Morteza Ramandi, spokesman
for Iran's mission to the UN, said yesterday that Ahmadinejad
applied for a visa, is awaiting a response and that Iran is not
aware of any problem.
The three European allies of the U.S. have been conducting
negotiations with Iran on limiting its enrichment program, a
process that produces the material to fuel a nuclear power plant
or bomb. The U.S. government, which has no formal diplomatic ties
with Iran, hasn't officially joined the talks.
Fuel Plans
Iran, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries, will develop its nuclear fuel
capability for future exports, Nasseri said. The country will
continue converting raw uranium into uranium hexafluoride gas at
its Isfahan plant, Nasseri said. Iran will keep its enrichment
facility in Natanz, south of Tehran, closed for now, he said.
``We like to be a supplier of energy as we are in oil and gas
as well,'' Nasseri said.
ElBaradei confirmed that Isfahan was under agency observation
with inspectors on the ground. The plant, located in central Iran,
isn't capable of enriching uranium, according to the IAEA.
``Whether Iran resumes full suspension is up to Iran to
decide,'' said ElBaradei, a 63-year-old former Egyptian diplomat.
``There's a window of opportunity to regulate the situation.''
The IAEA resolution also urged Iran to continue negotiating
with the EU-3 to overcome the current impasse. The director
general was ``encouraged by statements'' that talks would
continue.
`Not Iraq'
The Iranian delegation's statement delivered to the IAEA's
board of governors singled out the U.S. for its fiercest
criticism. Iran highlighted the U.S.'s unproven allegation of a
functioning nuclear weapons program in Iraq and its decision to
invade the country in March 2003. The delegates said that the U.S.
was using the same tactics against Iran.
``Iran is not Iraq, and the United States is not the self-
appointed policeman of the world anymore,'' the two-page statement
said.
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. The government said it
wants to generate about 20,000 megawatts of nuclear power for the
country's 68 million people by 2025, Nasseri said.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Iran Breaks UN Seals at Plant; EU Weighs Response
Iran today removed United Nations
seals on equipment used in uranium enrichment at the Isfahan
facility, as the International Atomic Energy Agency debated a
resolution calling on the government in Tehran to halt nuclear
work.
``The seals were broken, and our cameras and surveillance
system is fully operational,'' IAEA spokesman Mark Gwozdecky in
Vienna said in a telephone interview. ``They have indicated that
they intend to operate all parts of the facility, in time,
although it will take a while to get everything up and running.''
France, Germany and the U.K. circulated a draft resolution
calling on Iran to resume its suspension of nuclear activity, and
the IAEA Board of Governors will meet tomorrow to consider the
measure, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.
The U.S. wants to block Iran, which it brands a state sponsor
of terrorism, from developing nuclear weapons that might pose a
global threat. The three European allies of the U.S. have been
conducting negotiations with Iran on limiting its program.
``It is essential that we break this current impasse, and I
believe the best way is to continue the discussions of the EU
three with the Iranians,'' UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told
reporters today in New York. ``They should search for a solution
in conformity with international norms, and I have indications
from both sides that they are prepared to continue searching for
a solution.''
UN Sanctions
UN sanctions are a ``potential consequence'' if Iran defies
the allies, U.S. President George W. Bush said yesterday. Bush
said he welcomed the assertion by Iran's new president, Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, that Iran was willing to continue talks.
Iranian nuclear workers began feeding uranium ore
concentrate into the first part of its process line at the
Isfahan plant, the IAEA said yesterday. The process leads to
enriched uranium, which may be used in power plants or nuclear
weapons.
``This facility is one Iran has a right to operate as long
as it is supervised by us, and that is being done,'' Gwozdecky
said. ``But it would be better if it was not operated, in terms
of the atmosphere.''
Iran agreed in November to suspend work on uranium and
allowed the IAEA to seal the plant as a confidence-building
gesture.
Some analysts believe the Iranian leadership agrees to
freeze the nuclear program only when the government encounters
technical problems with enriching uranium, according to Patrick
Clawson, an economist who has written about Iran and nuclear
proliferation.
Stop and Start
``As soon as they think they've come up with a solution,
then they cause a political crisis by announcing that they're no
longer going to freeze their activities, and then they race ahead
as quickly as they can until they encounter a new problem,''
Clawson, a deputy director at the Washington Institute for Near
East Policy, said in a telephone interview.
``It may be coincidental, but this view is consistent with
the reality,'' Clawson said.
Ahmadinejad said he will put forward unspecified ideas to
resolve the standoff with the U.S. and European governments after
forming his Cabinet. The Iranian president, who U.S. officials
say was a leader of the student revolt against the U.S. Embassy
in Tehran in 1979, yesterday said the U.S. and its European
allies were treating Iran as if ``the time was 100 years ago and
our country was their colony,'' according to the Islamic Republic
News Agency.
Iran is the second-biggest oil producer in the Organization
of Petroleum Exporting Countries. It pumped almost 4 million
barrels of crude a day last month, according to Bloomberg
estimates.
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. The government said it
wants to generate about 7,000 megawatts of nuclear power for the
country's 68 million people.
Iran today removed United Nations
seals on equipment used in uranium enrichment at the Isfahan
facility, as the International Atomic Energy Agency debated a
resolution calling on the government in Tehran to halt nuclear
work.
``The seals were broken, and our cameras and surveillance
system is fully operational,'' IAEA spokesman Mark Gwozdecky in
Vienna said in a telephone interview. ``They have indicated that
they intend to operate all parts of the facility, in time,
although it will take a while to get everything up and running.''
France, Germany and the U.K. circulated a draft resolution
calling on Iran to resume its suspension of nuclear activity, and
the IAEA Board of Governors will meet tomorrow to consider the
measure, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.
The U.S. wants to block Iran, which it brands a state sponsor
of terrorism, from developing nuclear weapons that might pose a
global threat. The three European allies of the U.S. have been
conducting negotiations with Iran on limiting its program.
``It is essential that we break this current impasse, and I
believe the best way is to continue the discussions of the EU
three with the Iranians,'' UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told
reporters today in New York. ``They should search for a solution
in conformity with international norms, and I have indications
from both sides that they are prepared to continue searching for
a solution.''
UN Sanctions
UN sanctions are a ``potential consequence'' if Iran defies
the allies, U.S. President George W. Bush said yesterday. Bush
said he welcomed the assertion by Iran's new president, Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, that Iran was willing to continue talks.
Iranian nuclear workers began feeding uranium ore
concentrate into the first part of its process line at the
Isfahan plant, the IAEA said yesterday. The process leads to
enriched uranium, which may be used in power plants or nuclear
weapons.
``This facility is one Iran has a right to operate as long
as it is supervised by us, and that is being done,'' Gwozdecky
said. ``But it would be better if it was not operated, in terms
of the atmosphere.''
Iran agreed in November to suspend work on uranium and
allowed the IAEA to seal the plant as a confidence-building
gesture.
Some analysts believe the Iranian leadership agrees to
freeze the nuclear program only when the government encounters
technical problems with enriching uranium, according to Patrick
Clawson, an economist who has written about Iran and nuclear
proliferation.
Stop and Start
``As soon as they think they've come up with a solution,
then they cause a political crisis by announcing that they're no
longer going to freeze their activities, and then they race ahead
as quickly as they can until they encounter a new problem,''
Clawson, a deputy director at the Washington Institute for Near
East Policy, said in a telephone interview.
``It may be coincidental, but this view is consistent with
the reality,'' Clawson said.
Ahmadinejad said he will put forward unspecified ideas to
resolve the standoff with the U.S. and European governments after
forming his Cabinet. The Iranian president, who U.S. officials
say was a leader of the student revolt against the U.S. Embassy
in Tehran in 1979, yesterday said the U.S. and its European
allies were treating Iran as if ``the time was 100 years ago and
our country was their colony,'' according to the Islamic Republic
News Agency.
Iran is the second-biggest oil producer in the Organization
of Petroleum Exporting Countries. It pumped almost 4 million
barrels of crude a day last month, according to Bloomberg
estimates.
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. The government said it
wants to generate about 7,000 megawatts of nuclear power for the
country's 68 million people.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
UN Urges `Maximum Restraint' Over Iran's Nuclear Work
The United Nations nuclear watchdog
urged diplomats to exercise ``maximum restraint'' as they try to
avert a crisis between Iran and the U.S. over the Islamic
Republic's resumption of uranium conversion activities.
``I would request all parties to exercise maximum
restraint,'' International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed
ElBaradei said at a news conference in Vienna. ``The only way
these problems can be solved is at the negotiating table.''
The IAEA's board of directors began an emergency meeting
after Iran yesterday resumed uranium conversion activities at its
nuclear plant in the central city of Isfahan. ElBaradei
criticized the Iranian decision to resume its nuclear program
``unilaterally.''
Iranian officials will meet with French, German and U.K.
diplomats twice more before October, ElBaradei said. The so-
called EU-3 offered Iran technology and economic incentives to
stop its uranium processing activities. The Islamic Republic
rejected their offer on Aug. 6.
``The operations at Isfahan will continue,'' said Iran's
head of delegation to the IAEA, Cyrus Nasseri. Iran will probably
remove UN seals tomorrow on additional uranium processing
equipment under suspension, Nasseri said. IAEA observers are in
place and will record the removal of the seals, agency
spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said.
New President
The U.S.-backed European diplomatic effort to get Iran to
step back from the brink of pursuing nuclear arms is a test of
wills between Europe and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was sworn in as
Iran's new president Aug. 3. Conversion is an initial step in
enriching uranium, or increasing the concentration of the U-235
isotope that starts and sustains a nuclear reaction.
``Iran must not be allowed to violate its international
commitments and must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons,''
U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA George Schultes said.
The U.S. State Department said in May that it would
recommend that the IAEA refer Iran to the UN Security Council for
possible sanctions were it to end the suspension of uranium
enrichment activities. Any attempt to send Iran to the Security
Council would require a majority vote by the IAEA's 35-member
board.
The so-called non-aligned movement of countries, which has
13 of the board's 35 seats, said that it recognizes Iran's legal
right under international treaties to process uranium and called
for the Islamic Republic to return to negotiations.
Suspension `Voluntary'
Iran's suspension was ``a voluntary and non-legally binding
confidence building measure and it should not be interpreted in
any way as inhibiting or restricting the inalienable right of
member states to develop atomic energy,'' said the group's head,
Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain.
Russia, which has supplied Iran with the reactor for a
nuclear power station in Bushehr, called on Tehran to stop ``work
on conversion of uranium and continue close cooperation with the
IAEA,'' according to a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry
Web site.
Iran could have ``continued the moratorium without any harm
to its nuclear energy program,'' it said. Iran's ``only nuclear
energy station, in Bushehr, is fully supplied with fuel from
Russia.'' The participants in the nuclear talks should avoid
``hasty, ill-considered steps'' that could lead to a crisis, the
Russian ministry said.
Iran says it's pursuing nuclear power to hedge against
diminishing oil reserves. Its existing crude production is
depleting at an annual rate of as much as 9.5 percent, Iranian
Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said July 27. Iran is the
second-biggest oil producer in OPEC.
`Insult'
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. The government wants to
generate about 7,000 megawatts of nuclear power for the country's
68 million people.
Ahmadinejad called the EU-3's latest proposal ``an insult''
in a telephone conversation yesterday with UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
Annan urged Iran to exercise ``restraint'' in re-starting its
conversion program.
``They have talked in a way as if the Iranian nation was
suffering from backwardness and the time was 100 years ago and
our country was their colony,'' IRNA cited the Iranian president
as saying.
``This process is aimed to normalize a relationship that has
been strained for the last quarter century,'' ElBaradei said.
``It will take time to build confidence, first with Europe and
eventually with the United States.''
Relations between the U.S. and Iran deteriorated in 1979
after students stormed the American embassy in Tehran, holding 52
people hostage for 444 days. In 1995, President Bill Clinton
banned U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from
conducting business with Iran.
The U.S. can unilaterally impose sanctions on foreign
companies investing more than $20 million a year in Iran under
the 1996 Iran-Libya Sanctions Act. The law has never been
enforced.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog
urged diplomats to exercise ``maximum restraint'' as they try to
avert a crisis between Iran and the U.S. over the Islamic
Republic's resumption of uranium conversion activities.
``I would request all parties to exercise maximum
restraint,'' International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed
ElBaradei said at a news conference in Vienna. ``The only way
these problems can be solved is at the negotiating table.''
The IAEA's board of directors began an emergency meeting
after Iran yesterday resumed uranium conversion activities at its
nuclear plant in the central city of Isfahan. ElBaradei
criticized the Iranian decision to resume its nuclear program
``unilaterally.''
Iranian officials will meet with French, German and U.K.
diplomats twice more before October, ElBaradei said. The so-
called EU-3 offered Iran technology and economic incentives to
stop its uranium processing activities. The Islamic Republic
rejected their offer on Aug. 6.
``The operations at Isfahan will continue,'' said Iran's
head of delegation to the IAEA, Cyrus Nasseri. Iran will probably
remove UN seals tomorrow on additional uranium processing
equipment under suspension, Nasseri said. IAEA observers are in
place and will record the removal of the seals, agency
spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said.
New President
The U.S.-backed European diplomatic effort to get Iran to
step back from the brink of pursuing nuclear arms is a test of
wills between Europe and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was sworn in as
Iran's new president Aug. 3. Conversion is an initial step in
enriching uranium, or increasing the concentration of the U-235
isotope that starts and sustains a nuclear reaction.
``Iran must not be allowed to violate its international
commitments and must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons,''
U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA George Schultes said.
The U.S. State Department said in May that it would
recommend that the IAEA refer Iran to the UN Security Council for
possible sanctions were it to end the suspension of uranium
enrichment activities. Any attempt to send Iran to the Security
Council would require a majority vote by the IAEA's 35-member
board.
The so-called non-aligned movement of countries, which has
13 of the board's 35 seats, said that it recognizes Iran's legal
right under international treaties to process uranium and called
for the Islamic Republic to return to negotiations.
Suspension `Voluntary'
Iran's suspension was ``a voluntary and non-legally binding
confidence building measure and it should not be interpreted in
any way as inhibiting or restricting the inalienable right of
member states to develop atomic energy,'' said the group's head,
Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain.
Russia, which has supplied Iran with the reactor for a
nuclear power station in Bushehr, called on Tehran to stop ``work
on conversion of uranium and continue close cooperation with the
IAEA,'' according to a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry
Web site.
Iran could have ``continued the moratorium without any harm
to its nuclear energy program,'' it said. Iran's ``only nuclear
energy station, in Bushehr, is fully supplied with fuel from
Russia.'' The participants in the nuclear talks should avoid
``hasty, ill-considered steps'' that could lead to a crisis, the
Russian ministry said.
Iran says it's pursuing nuclear power to hedge against
diminishing oil reserves. Its existing crude production is
depleting at an annual rate of as much as 9.5 percent, Iranian
Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said July 27. Iran is the
second-biggest oil producer in OPEC.
`Insult'
Energy needs in Iran are expected to double in the next 20
years to about 60,000 megawatts annually. The government wants to
generate about 7,000 megawatts of nuclear power for the country's
68 million people.
Ahmadinejad called the EU-3's latest proposal ``an insult''
in a telephone conversation yesterday with UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
Annan urged Iran to exercise ``restraint'' in re-starting its
conversion program.
``They have talked in a way as if the Iranian nation was
suffering from backwardness and the time was 100 years ago and
our country was their colony,'' IRNA cited the Iranian president
as saying.
``This process is aimed to normalize a relationship that has
been strained for the last quarter century,'' ElBaradei said.
``It will take time to build confidence, first with Europe and
eventually with the United States.''
Relations between the U.S. and Iran deteriorated in 1979
after students stormed the American embassy in Tehran, holding 52
people hostage for 444 days. In 1995, President Bill Clinton
banned U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from
conducting business with Iran.
The U.S. can unilaterally impose sanctions on foreign
companies investing more than $20 million a year in Iran under
the 1996 Iran-Libya Sanctions Act. The law has never been
enforced.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Iran Resumes Uranium Conversion Against UN Wishes
Iran resumed uranium conversion
activities at its nuclear plant in the central city of Isfahan
today in a move that could prompt the United Nations Security
Council to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Iran began to feed uranium ore concentrate into the first
part of its process line, the International Atomic Energy Agency
said in an e-mailed statement. The Vienna-based UN agency said
that IAEA seals preventing Iran from completing the uranium
enrichment process remain intact.
Iran's decision to resume uranium conversion will probably
end negotiations with France, Germany and the U.K. The so-called
EU-3 countries offered Iran trade and technology incentives in
return for a halt in the nuclear fuel cycle. Iran rejected their
latest offer Aug. 6. The U.S. said the Security Council in New
York should discuss possible sanctions, if Iran resumed
processing.
State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said the U.S would
confer with the EU-3 countries on the next step. ``This is Iran
thumbing its nose at a productive approach by the EU-3, and we'll
have to work together to take a response,'' Ereli told reporters
in Washington.
The Islamic Republic also named Ali Larijani to replace
Hassan Rohani as Iran's top nuclear negotiator, according to the
official Islamic Republic News Agency. Rohani had led Iran's
efforts to craft an agreement with European negotiators.
The U.S.-backed European diplomatic effort to get Iran to
step back from the brink of pursuing atomic arms is a test of
wills between Europe and new Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, who was sworn in as president Aug. 3.
The IAEA will hold an emergency meeting of its board of
governors tomorrow in Vienna to discuss Iran's decision to
restart its uranium program. Conversion is an initial step in
enriching uranium, or boosting the concentration of the U-235
isotope that starts and sustains a nuclear reaction.
Iran resumed uranium conversion
activities at its nuclear plant in the central city of Isfahan
today in a move that could prompt the United Nations Security
Council to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Iran began to feed uranium ore concentrate into the first
part of its process line, the International Atomic Energy Agency
said in an e-mailed statement. The Vienna-based UN agency said
that IAEA seals preventing Iran from completing the uranium
enrichment process remain intact.
Iran's decision to resume uranium conversion will probably
end negotiations with France, Germany and the U.K. The so-called
EU-3 countries offered Iran trade and technology incentives in
return for a halt in the nuclear fuel cycle. Iran rejected their
latest offer Aug. 6. The U.S. said the Security Council in New
York should discuss possible sanctions, if Iran resumed
processing.
State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said the U.S would
confer with the EU-3 countries on the next step. ``This is Iran
thumbing its nose at a productive approach by the EU-3, and we'll
have to work together to take a response,'' Ereli told reporters
in Washington.
The Islamic Republic also named Ali Larijani to replace
Hassan Rohani as Iran's top nuclear negotiator, according to the
official Islamic Republic News Agency. Rohani had led Iran's
efforts to craft an agreement with European negotiators.
The U.S.-backed European diplomatic effort to get Iran to
step back from the brink of pursuing atomic arms is a test of
wills between Europe and new Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, who was sworn in as president Aug. 3.
The IAEA will hold an emergency meeting of its board of
governors tomorrow in Vienna to discuss Iran's decision to
restart its uranium program. Conversion is an initial step in
enriching uranium, or boosting the concentration of the U-235
isotope that starts and sustains a nuclear reaction.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Iran's Ahmadinejad Accused in Kurd Death; Austria Investigates
Austrian authorities are trying to
determine the accuracy of allegations that Iran's president-
elect, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had a role in the 1989 assassination
of an Iranian Kurdish leader in Vienna, Austria's Justice
Ministry said today.
Austrian Green Party politician Peter Pilz said an Iranian
journalist living in France told him Ahmadinejad was connected to
the killing of Adbel Aahmane Ghassemlou, Der Standard reported on
July 2 without identifying the journalist. Pilz told the Vienna-
based daily the journalist gave him details about who killed the
Kurdish leader and how the operation was planned.
``We have to verify whether the information this person has
is correct,'' Justice Ministry spokesman Christoph Poechinger
said in a telephone interview in Vienna. Poechinger said Austrian
authorities are trying to locate the journalist.
Austria's ambassador to Iran, Michael Stigglebauer, was
summoned to the Iranian Interior Ministry yesterday, the Foreign
Ministry in Vienna said today in a statement. Iran's government
said the accusation about Ahmadinejad is false, and that
officials would deliver a message of protest to the envoy, the
state-run Islamic Republic News Agency in Tehran reported today.
``Now the Iranian president has something to clear up before
a court in Vienna,'' Pilz, a specialist in security issues, said
on his Web site. Pilz said he doesn't expect Ahmadinejad to come
to Vienna to respond to the allegations.
It is the second time since winning a runoff election on
June 24 that Ahmadinejad, the former mayor of Tehran, has drawn
international attention over allegations of misdeeds.
Some former U.S. hostages, held in Tehran for 444 days after
the Iran's Islamic revolution in 1979, say the president-elect
was one of their kidnappers. Ahmadinejad has denied the
allegations. His swearing-in has been scheduled for Aug. 4.
Austrian authorities are trying to
determine the accuracy of allegations that Iran's president-
elect, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had a role in the 1989 assassination
of an Iranian Kurdish leader in Vienna, Austria's Justice
Ministry said today.
Austrian Green Party politician Peter Pilz said an Iranian
journalist living in France told him Ahmadinejad was connected to
the killing of Adbel Aahmane Ghassemlou, Der Standard reported on
July 2 without identifying the journalist. Pilz told the Vienna-
based daily the journalist gave him details about who killed the
Kurdish leader and how the operation was planned.
``We have to verify whether the information this person has
is correct,'' Justice Ministry spokesman Christoph Poechinger
said in a telephone interview in Vienna. Poechinger said Austrian
authorities are trying to locate the journalist.
Austria's ambassador to Iran, Michael Stigglebauer, was
summoned to the Iranian Interior Ministry yesterday, the Foreign
Ministry in Vienna said today in a statement. Iran's government
said the accusation about Ahmadinejad is false, and that
officials would deliver a message of protest to the envoy, the
state-run Islamic Republic News Agency in Tehran reported today.
``Now the Iranian president has something to clear up before
a court in Vienna,'' Pilz, a specialist in security issues, said
on his Web site. Pilz said he doesn't expect Ahmadinejad to come
to Vienna to respond to the allegations.
It is the second time since winning a runoff election on
June 24 that Ahmadinejad, the former mayor of Tehran, has drawn
international attention over allegations of misdeeds.
Some former U.S. hostages, held in Tehran for 444 days after
the Iran's Islamic revolution in 1979, say the president-elect
was one of their kidnappers. Ahmadinejad has denied the
allegations. His swearing-in has been scheduled for Aug. 4.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Uranium Price Rise Spurred by Hedge Funds on Energy Optimism
A 62 percent surge in uranium prices
in the past year has been partly driven by hedge funds as money
managers bet more atomic energy will be generated, the Chief
Executive Officer of the world's biggest uranium producer said.
The price of uranium, used to fuel nuclear reactors, climbed
to $29 per pound from $17.90 per pound a year ago, according to
the Metal Bulletin's Uranium Nuexco Restricted Post Price. About
20 percent of the uranium that powers reactors trades on spot
markets.
``We've seen speculators and hedge funds buy between 5-to-6
million pounds of uranium in the last two years,'' Cameco Corp.
CEO Gerald Grandey said today at a news conference. ``The timing
of their purchases has helped to solidify the market price.''
Hedge funds are driving up prices as countries commit to
building new nuclear power plants. China's planning a six-fold
increase in atomic energy over the next 15 years, the government
has said. Egypt, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Vietnam
are planning new nuclear installations. Uranium accounts for
about 5 percent of the cost of producing atomic energy.
The price rise is spurring mining companies to step up
uranium exploration to boost stockpiles. Suppliers are selling
users of the radioactive metal, such as utilities, from stocks
developed in the 1970s.
``We've been living on inventories for two decades,'' said
Grandey, speaking at an International Atomic Energy Agency
conference about the uranium market.
Abundant Supply
There's enough untapped uranium in the world to satisfy 2002
nuclear energy demand for up to another 240,000 years, the IAEA's
2004 Nuclear Technology Review reports.
Most uranium can be recycled. Many nuclear power plants can
be converted to use so-called ``fast reactor fuel cycles,'' which
use uranium up to 100-times more efficiently.
``We know that we'll have customers well into the 2030-to-
2040 time period,'' Grandey said. Most of Cameco's customer
agreements are long-term supply contracts, he said, estimating
that the Saskatoon, Canada-based company conducts only 10
transactions each month.
Nuclear missiles in the U.S. and Russia house ``at least''
another 30 years worth of energy, IAEA Deputy Director General
Yury Sokolov said. A 1993 agreement called the ``Megatons to
Megawatts Program'' has disarmed around 9,000 warheads and
shipped their fuel to power plants.
The IAEA in March raised its forecast for nuclear power for
the fourth consecutive year. The equivalent of 127, 1,000-
megawatt plants will be built by 2020, the IAEA said then.
Capacity will rise to 427 gigawatts from 367 gigawatts today. One
gigawatt is a billion watts.
Attractive Economics
Atomic energy is becoming economically more attractive as
the price of oil and natural gas rise. Crude oil prices in New
York have surged 56 percent in the past year.
The Kyoto Protocol is also prompting countries party to the
treaty to consider nuclear energy to reduce the emissions
produced by gas- and coal-fired plants. Public concern about
safety may be easing, polls show.
Asia will drive demand, Alan McDonald, an IAEA economist,
said in April. China now relies on coal and oil for 90 percent of
its fuel. The country plans to get 40 gigawatts of electricity
from nuclear power by 2020, up from 6.5 gigawatts today, he said.
India is building nine reactors and will increase capacity
to 20 gigawatts by 2012 from 2.7 gigawatts currently.
A 62 percent surge in uranium prices
in the past year has been partly driven by hedge funds as money
managers bet more atomic energy will be generated, the Chief
Executive Officer of the world's biggest uranium producer said.
The price of uranium, used to fuel nuclear reactors, climbed
to $29 per pound from $17.90 per pound a year ago, according to
the Metal Bulletin's Uranium Nuexco Restricted Post Price. About
20 percent of the uranium that powers reactors trades on spot
markets.
``We've seen speculators and hedge funds buy between 5-to-6
million pounds of uranium in the last two years,'' Cameco Corp.
CEO Gerald Grandey said today at a news conference. ``The timing
of their purchases has helped to solidify the market price.''
Hedge funds are driving up prices as countries commit to
building new nuclear power plants. China's planning a six-fold
increase in atomic energy over the next 15 years, the government
has said. Egypt, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Vietnam
are planning new nuclear installations. Uranium accounts for
about 5 percent of the cost of producing atomic energy.
The price rise is spurring mining companies to step up
uranium exploration to boost stockpiles. Suppliers are selling
users of the radioactive metal, such as utilities, from stocks
developed in the 1970s.
``We've been living on inventories for two decades,'' said
Grandey, speaking at an International Atomic Energy Agency
conference about the uranium market.
Abundant Supply
There's enough untapped uranium in the world to satisfy 2002
nuclear energy demand for up to another 240,000 years, the IAEA's
2004 Nuclear Technology Review reports.
Most uranium can be recycled. Many nuclear power plants can
be converted to use so-called ``fast reactor fuel cycles,'' which
use uranium up to 100-times more efficiently.
``We know that we'll have customers well into the 2030-to-
2040 time period,'' Grandey said. Most of Cameco's customer
agreements are long-term supply contracts, he said, estimating
that the Saskatoon, Canada-based company conducts only 10
transactions each month.
Nuclear missiles in the U.S. and Russia house ``at least''
another 30 years worth of energy, IAEA Deputy Director General
Yury Sokolov said. A 1993 agreement called the ``Megatons to
Megawatts Program'' has disarmed around 9,000 warheads and
shipped their fuel to power plants.
The IAEA in March raised its forecast for nuclear power for
the fourth consecutive year. The equivalent of 127, 1,000-
megawatt plants will be built by 2020, the IAEA said then.
Capacity will rise to 427 gigawatts from 367 gigawatts today. One
gigawatt is a billion watts.
Attractive Economics
Atomic energy is becoming economically more attractive as
the price of oil and natural gas rise. Crude oil prices in New
York have surged 56 percent in the past year.
The Kyoto Protocol is also prompting countries party to the
treaty to consider nuclear energy to reduce the emissions
produced by gas- and coal-fired plants. Public concern about
safety may be easing, polls show.
Asia will drive demand, Alan McDonald, an IAEA economist,
said in April. China now relies on coal and oil for 90 percent of
its fuel. The country plans to get 40 gigawatts of electricity
from nuclear power by 2020, up from 6.5 gigawatts today, he said.
India is building nine reactors and will increase capacity
to 20 gigawatts by 2012 from 2.7 gigawatts currently.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Iran Admits Plutonium Separation Experiments to UN
Iran's government told United
Nations inspectors it continued separating plutonium five years
after declaring an end to the work, the UN nuclear agency said.
The process may be used in the production of an atomic bomb.
The Islamic republic informed the International Atomic
Energy Agency May 25 that it conducted plutonium-separation
experiments until 1998, after previously saying those
activities stopped in 1993, according to a report expected to
be made today to the IAEA board by Deputy Director General
Pierre Goldschmidt. A copy of his remarks was obtained by
Bloomberg News.
``It is evident that Iran has not come clean about its
past, or present nuclear activities,'' said Jackie Sanders,
President George W. Bush's envoy on nuclear non-proliferation,
to the IAEA board. ``It continues to deny requested IAEA access
to people, places and information.''
The discovery that Iran continued to separate plutonium
may follows a dispute over Iran's enrichment of uranium, which
can also be used in a nuclear weapon. Today's U.S. statement
demanded that Iran stop all activities associated with the
nuclear fuel cycle. The Bush administration has said Iran is
using its nuclear power program to disguise weapons
development.
The U.S. State Department last month said it would
recommend that the IAEA refer Iran to the UN Security Council
for sanctions if it re-starts processing uranium. The so-called
EU-3, comprised of French, German and U.K. diplomats, are
negotiating with the Iranians to avoid a Security Council
referral by offering potential trade benefits in exchange for
the Islamic Republic's abandonment of enrichment activities.
``Iran has put forward a comprehensive framework which
incorporates guarantees on all the issues which have been
subject to negotiations,'' Iran's IAEA representative Mohammad
Akhondzadeh said about the country's negations with the EU-3.
The EU-3 is expected to present a proposal to the Iranians next
month, Akhondzadeh said.
The U.S. ``continues to offer its full support to the
ongoing diplomatic efforts,'' Saunders said.
Centrifuge Parts
Iran's lack of documentation about agreements to import
nuclear centrifuge parts is also hampering the UN investigation
to determine whether its atomic technology program is only
intended to generate electricity, according to Goldschmidt's
report to the Vienna-based IAEA's board.
The agency requested documentation outlining a 1994
proposal to supply Iran with nuclear centrifuges, along with
customs documents to learn whether the parts had entered the
country, Goldschmidt wrote. Iran wasn't able to satisfy the
inspectors' requests, according to his report.
Iran, with the world's second-largest oil reserves, is
undergoing IAEA inspections to ensure that its nuclear program
is designed to produce energy and not weapons.
``We wish one day to have the opportunity to welcome back
to the international community an Iran that behaves
constructively and is in compliance with its obligations,''
Saunders said. ``But we will not accept a nuclear weapons-
capable Iran.''
IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei on June 13 told
the agency's board that Iran was making ``progress'' in its
effort to show that its nuclear program isn't violating
international treaties.
``Iran has facilitated agency access, under its safeguards
agreement and additional protocol, to nuclear materials and
facilities,'' ElBaradei said.
Iran's government told United
Nations inspectors it continued separating plutonium five years
after declaring an end to the work, the UN nuclear agency said.
The process may be used in the production of an atomic bomb.
The Islamic republic informed the International Atomic
Energy Agency May 25 that it conducted plutonium-separation
experiments until 1998, after previously saying those
activities stopped in 1993, according to a report expected to
be made today to the IAEA board by Deputy Director General
Pierre Goldschmidt. A copy of his remarks was obtained by
Bloomberg News.
``It is evident that Iran has not come clean about its
past, or present nuclear activities,'' said Jackie Sanders,
President George W. Bush's envoy on nuclear non-proliferation,
to the IAEA board. ``It continues to deny requested IAEA access
to people, places and information.''
The discovery that Iran continued to separate plutonium
may follows a dispute over Iran's enrichment of uranium, which
can also be used in a nuclear weapon. Today's U.S. statement
demanded that Iran stop all activities associated with the
nuclear fuel cycle. The Bush administration has said Iran is
using its nuclear power program to disguise weapons
development.
The U.S. State Department last month said it would
recommend that the IAEA refer Iran to the UN Security Council
for sanctions if it re-starts processing uranium. The so-called
EU-3, comprised of French, German and U.K. diplomats, are
negotiating with the Iranians to avoid a Security Council
referral by offering potential trade benefits in exchange for
the Islamic Republic's abandonment of enrichment activities.
``Iran has put forward a comprehensive framework which
incorporates guarantees on all the issues which have been
subject to negotiations,'' Iran's IAEA representative Mohammad
Akhondzadeh said about the country's negations with the EU-3.
The EU-3 is expected to present a proposal to the Iranians next
month, Akhondzadeh said.
The U.S. ``continues to offer its full support to the
ongoing diplomatic efforts,'' Saunders said.
Centrifuge Parts
Iran's lack of documentation about agreements to import
nuclear centrifuge parts is also hampering the UN investigation
to determine whether its atomic technology program is only
intended to generate electricity, according to Goldschmidt's
report to the Vienna-based IAEA's board.
The agency requested documentation outlining a 1994
proposal to supply Iran with nuclear centrifuges, along with
customs documents to learn whether the parts had entered the
country, Goldschmidt wrote. Iran wasn't able to satisfy the
inspectors' requests, according to his report.
Iran, with the world's second-largest oil reserves, is
undergoing IAEA inspections to ensure that its nuclear program
is designed to produce energy and not weapons.
``We wish one day to have the opportunity to welcome back
to the international community an Iran that behaves
constructively and is in compliance with its obligations,''
Saunders said. ``But we will not accept a nuclear weapons-
capable Iran.''
IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei on June 13 told
the agency's board that Iran was making ``progress'' in its
effort to show that its nuclear program isn't violating
international treaties.
``Iran has facilitated agency access, under its safeguards
agreement and additional protocol, to nuclear materials and
facilities,'' ElBaradei said.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Iran Facilitates Nuclear Site Inspections, UN Says
Iran is giving more access to its
nuclear sites and has made ``progress'' in its effort to show
that its program doesn't violate international treaties, the
United Nations nuclear watchdog said.
``Iran has facilitated Agency access under its safeguards
agreement and additional protocol to nuclear materials and
facilities,'' International Atomic Energy Agency Director General
Mohammed ElBaradei told the group's board of governors today in a
statement.
Iran, with the second highest level of oil reserves in the
world, is undergoing IAEA inspections to ensure that its nuclear
program is designed to produce energy and not weapons. The U.S.
has accused the Islamic Republic of harboring a secret program to
build an atomic bomb.
The IAEA called on Iran to continue giving it information.
The agency pinpointed requests that, if satisfied by Iran, could
result in a partial end of its investigation by September. The
IAEA wants more access to research sites at Lavisan-Shian and
Parchin as well as documentation about the country's centrifuge
enrichment program.
``We are inching forward but I'd like to have a more speedy
cooperation,'' ElBaradei, 62, said yesterday after being
appointed to a third four-year term heading the Vienna-based
agency.
Supply Network
The IAEA is trying to identify the international nuclear
supply network that enabled Iran to build its centrifuge program.
The agency is asking Iran to supply information to inspectors
about offers for equipment. Pakistan is cooperating with the
agency to help it determine the extent of its involvement in
Iran's program.
Centrifuges spin at supersonic speeds to enrich uranium
hexafluoride gas into nuclear fuel. Iran wants to enrich its own
fuel using centrifuges while the U.S. wants it to stop enrichment
activities altogether. Iran is negotiating with British, French
and German diplomats in search of a compromise.
Separately, the IAEA sees the ``urgency of finding a
solution to the current situation'' in North Korea, ElBaradei
said. Agency inspectors haven't visited the country since the
government of Kim Jong Il expelled them in December 2002.
Iran is giving more access to its
nuclear sites and has made ``progress'' in its effort to show
that its program doesn't violate international treaties, the
United Nations nuclear watchdog said.
``Iran has facilitated Agency access under its safeguards
agreement and additional protocol to nuclear materials and
facilities,'' International Atomic Energy Agency Director General
Mohammed ElBaradei told the group's board of governors today in a
statement.
Iran, with the second highest level of oil reserves in the
world, is undergoing IAEA inspections to ensure that its nuclear
program is designed to produce energy and not weapons. The U.S.
has accused the Islamic Republic of harboring a secret program to
build an atomic bomb.
The IAEA called on Iran to continue giving it information.
The agency pinpointed requests that, if satisfied by Iran, could
result in a partial end of its investigation by September. The
IAEA wants more access to research sites at Lavisan-Shian and
Parchin as well as documentation about the country's centrifuge
enrichment program.
``We are inching forward but I'd like to have a more speedy
cooperation,'' ElBaradei, 62, said yesterday after being
appointed to a third four-year term heading the Vienna-based
agency.
Supply Network
The IAEA is trying to identify the international nuclear
supply network that enabled Iran to build its centrifuge program.
The agency is asking Iran to supply information to inspectors
about offers for equipment. Pakistan is cooperating with the
agency to help it determine the extent of its involvement in
Iran's program.
Centrifuges spin at supersonic speeds to enrich uranium
hexafluoride gas into nuclear fuel. Iran wants to enrich its own
fuel using centrifuges while the U.S. wants it to stop enrichment
activities altogether. Iran is negotiating with British, French
and German diplomats in search of a compromise.
Separately, the IAEA sees the ``urgency of finding a
solution to the current situation'' in North Korea, ElBaradei
said. Agency inspectors haven't visited the country since the
government of Kim Jong Il expelled them in December 2002.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
UN Nuclear Agency's Board Supports Another ElBaradei Term
The United Nations nuclear watchdog's board of governors will likely vote to give Director General Mohammed ElBaradei a third-term, against U.S. wishes, the head of the nuclear board said.
The Egyptian diplomat ElBaradei maintains ``strong and broad support'' among members, and his support as increased, said International Atomic Energy Agency chairwoman Ingrid Hall in a statement to the 35-member board. A decision to appoint ElBaradei, 62, to another 4-year term should come ``no later'' than June, she said.
``Consensus exists, but we're willing to allow more time,'' said Egypt's ambassador to the IAEA, Ramzi Ezzeldin, to reporters outside the meeting. He's ``quite confident'' that ElBaradei will be re-elected.
The U.S. opposes an additional term for ElBaradei. President George W. Bush's nominee to the United Nation's ambassadorship, John Bolton, said that directors should be limited to two terms. The previous two IAEA directors, Sweden's Hans Blix and Sigvard Eklund, served for four and five terms respectively.
The U.S. has also been critical of the IAEA under ElBaradei's leadership. At the board's last meeting in March, the U.S. State Department said the agency couldn't prove that Iran is using atomic technology for peaceful means.
``The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations as it has been doing for years,'' U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders said March 2.
Iran, with the second highest level of oil reserves in the world, is the focus of UN deliberations because of its nuclear technology program.
The U.S. wants the IAEA to refer Iran to the UN Security Council, where it might face economic sanctions. Several European countries asked Iran last year to suspend uranium enrichment and to open up to tougher UN inspections in exchange for talks that could lead to greater trade.
The nuclear agency board met today after China and the G-77, a group of 77 developing countries, called the gathering to discuss ElBaradei's nomination. They'll formally vote whether to give the former New York University law professor, the only candidate for the post, another term on June 13 in Vienna.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog's board of governors will likely vote to give Director General Mohammed ElBaradei a third-term, against U.S. wishes, the head of the nuclear board said.
The Egyptian diplomat ElBaradei maintains ``strong and broad support'' among members, and his support as increased, said International Atomic Energy Agency chairwoman Ingrid Hall in a statement to the 35-member board. A decision to appoint ElBaradei, 62, to another 4-year term should come ``no later'' than June, she said.
``Consensus exists, but we're willing to allow more time,'' said Egypt's ambassador to the IAEA, Ramzi Ezzeldin, to reporters outside the meeting. He's ``quite confident'' that ElBaradei will be re-elected.
The U.S. opposes an additional term for ElBaradei. President George W. Bush's nominee to the United Nation's ambassadorship, John Bolton, said that directors should be limited to two terms. The previous two IAEA directors, Sweden's Hans Blix and Sigvard Eklund, served for four and five terms respectively.
The U.S. has also been critical of the IAEA under ElBaradei's leadership. At the board's last meeting in March, the U.S. State Department said the agency couldn't prove that Iran is using atomic technology for peaceful means.
``The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations as it has been doing for years,'' U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders said March 2.
Iran, with the second highest level of oil reserves in the world, is the focus of UN deliberations because of its nuclear technology program.
The U.S. wants the IAEA to refer Iran to the UN Security Council, where it might face economic sanctions. Several European countries asked Iran last year to suspend uranium enrichment and to open up to tougher UN inspections in exchange for talks that could lead to greater trade.
The nuclear agency board met today after China and the G-77, a group of 77 developing countries, called the gathering to discuss ElBaradei's nomination. They'll formally vote whether to give the former New York University law professor, the only candidate for the post, another term on June 13 in Vienna.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
UN Nuclear Agency Meets Tomorrow to Discuss ElBaradei's Future
The United Nations nuclear
watchdog's board of governors will convene an extraordinary
meeting tomorrow to discuss whether its Director General,
Mohammed ElBaradei, will be awarded a third term over U.S.
objections.
The 35-member International Atomic Energy Agency board meets
tomorrow in Vienna. China and the G-77, a group of 77 developing
countries, called the gathering to discuss ElBaradei's election
to another four year term. The U.S. opposes an additional term
for the 62-year-old Egyptian.
``We support the long-standing policy of two-terms for
director generals,'' said John Bolton, President George W. Bush's
nominee to the UN's ambassadorship, in testimony to the U.S.
Congress on April 11.
The last two IAEA director generals, both from Sweden,
served four and five terms each. Hans Blix led the Vienna-based
organization between 1981 and 1997. His predecessor, Sigvard
Eklund, served between 1961 and 1981. American director Sterling
Cole, the only other director general in the IAEA's history, led
the organization from its 1957 inception for four years.
The IAEA closed its search for a replacement to ElBaradei
last December without attracting any candidates. The former New
York University law professor remains the only choice among
diplomats. A vote to give ElBaradei a third term could take place
in June.
U.S. Objections
The U.S. has been critical of the IAEA under ElBaradei's
leadership. At the board's last meeting in March, the State
Department said the agency couldn't prove that Iran is using
atomic technology for peaceful means.
``The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran
is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations as
it has been doing for years,'' U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders
said March 2.
Iran, with the second highest level of oil reserves in the
world, is the focus of UN deliberations because of its nuclear
technology program. The U.S. wants the IAEA to refer Iran to the
UN Security Council, where it could face possible economic
sanctions. Several European countries asked Iran last year to
suspend uranium enrichment and to open up to tougher UN
inspections in exchange for talks that could lead to greater
trade.
The so-called Non-Aligned Movement of nations, representing
13 of the 35 seats on the IAEA's board, said it was satisfied
with the agency's progress in Iran. Any U.S. attempt to send Iran
to the Security Council requires a majority vote by the IAEA's
board.
``The agency's inspection activities appear to be unhindered
and are working s0moothly as a routine safeguard matter,''
Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain told the IAEA's board in
March. Malaysia heads the Non-Aligned Movement, which was founded
in the 1960s.
ElBaradei would need a majority vote of the board to win a
third term.
The United Nations nuclear
watchdog's board of governors will convene an extraordinary
meeting tomorrow to discuss whether its Director General,
Mohammed ElBaradei, will be awarded a third term over U.S.
objections.
The 35-member International Atomic Energy Agency board meets
tomorrow in Vienna. China and the G-77, a group of 77 developing
countries, called the gathering to discuss ElBaradei's election
to another four year term. The U.S. opposes an additional term
for the 62-year-old Egyptian.
``We support the long-standing policy of two-terms for
director generals,'' said John Bolton, President George W. Bush's
nominee to the UN's ambassadorship, in testimony to the U.S.
Congress on April 11.
The last two IAEA director generals, both from Sweden,
served four and five terms each. Hans Blix led the Vienna-based
organization between 1981 and 1997. His predecessor, Sigvard
Eklund, served between 1961 and 1981. American director Sterling
Cole, the only other director general in the IAEA's history, led
the organization from its 1957 inception for four years.
The IAEA closed its search for a replacement to ElBaradei
last December without attracting any candidates. The former New
York University law professor remains the only choice among
diplomats. A vote to give ElBaradei a third term could take place
in June.
U.S. Objections
The U.S. has been critical of the IAEA under ElBaradei's
leadership. At the board's last meeting in March, the State
Department said the agency couldn't prove that Iran is using
atomic technology for peaceful means.
``The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran
is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations as
it has been doing for years,'' U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders
said March 2.
Iran, with the second highest level of oil reserves in the
world, is the focus of UN deliberations because of its nuclear
technology program. The U.S. wants the IAEA to refer Iran to the
UN Security Council, where it could face possible economic
sanctions. Several European countries asked Iran last year to
suspend uranium enrichment and to open up to tougher UN
inspections in exchange for talks that could lead to greater
trade.
The so-called Non-Aligned Movement of nations, representing
13 of the 35 seats on the IAEA's board, said it was satisfied
with the agency's progress in Iran. Any U.S. attempt to send Iran
to the Security Council requires a majority vote by the IAEA's
board.
``The agency's inspection activities appear to be unhindered
and are working s0moothly as a routine safeguard matter,''
Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain told the IAEA's board in
March. Malaysia heads the Non-Aligned Movement, which was founded
in the 1960s.
ElBaradei would need a majority vote of the board to win a
third term.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Nuclear Power Will Grow as Cost of Fuel, Kyoto Rises, IAEA Says
Nuclear power's use will grow as higher fuel prices and the cost of carbon-emissions trading motivate companies and governments to invest in reactors, the United Nations nuclear watchdog predicted.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised its forecast for nuclear power for a fourth year, chief economist Alan McDonald said in an interview Tuesday. The equivalent of 127 1,000- megawatt plants will be built by 2020, the IAEA said. Capacity will rise to 427 gigawatts from 367 gigawatts today.
``Nuclear is often the better option for countries that put high value on energy security,'' McDonald said. ``It's a long- term, stable system.''
Atomic energy is becoming economically more attractive as the price of oil and natural gas rise. The Kyoto Protocol is leading countries that signed the treaty to consider nuclear energy, to reduce the emissions produced by gas- and coal-fired plants. Public concern about safety may be easing, polls show.
``The predictability of the industry's operations is better today than it ever has been,'' Ken Brockman, the IAEA's director of nuclear installation safety, said in an interview on Monday.
Asia will drive demand, McDonald said. China now relies on coal and oil for 90 percent of its fuel. It plans to get 40 gigawatts of electricity from nuclear power by 2020, up from 6.5 gigawatts today. India is building nine reactors and will increase capacity to 20 gigawatts from 2.7 gigawatts by 2012.
Western Reluctance
The only new reactor under construction in the United States and western Europe was ordered by Finland's utility, Teollisuuden Voima Oy. Siemens AG and France's Areva SA won a $3.7 billion contract to build the 1.6-gigawatt reactor in December 2003.
Westerners are more reluctant to invest in nuclear projects because of high costs, McDonald said, although reactors can run as long as 60 years and cost less money to operate, he said.
``George W. Bush says nuclear power is a good thing, but in a liberalized energy market, it's up to industry to decide,'' McDonald said. ``With a five-year planning horizon, gas and coal still look cheaper.''
Nuclear power costs up to 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 3.2 cents for coal and 3.5 cents for natural gas, according to a University of Chicago study last year. It can be brought down to 3.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the report, cited by the IAEA.
Safety Concerns
Safety concerns also hinder reactor construction in the West, after the Three Mile Island accident in the U.S. in 1979 and the Chernobyl explosion in Ukraine in 1986. No nuclear plants have been ordered in the U.S. since 1978, according to the IAEA. Germany agreed in 2000 to permanently close its 19 nuclear plants over the next two decades.
``Chernobyl is still a haunting issue,'' Linda Keen, the president of Canada's nuclear safety commission, said in an interview on Monday. Tighter regulation and industry peer reviews have helped to make nuclear power safer, she said.
New technologies are also addressing safety. Areva produces a reactor that uses 15 percent less uranium. Westinghouse makes a reactor that needs no human intervention.
``India and China don't have George Bush's problem because they're not investing in a liberalized market,'' McDonald said. ``If you're a government doing the investing, you can think long- term and consider non-monetary considerations.''
Incentive Missing
In the U.S., the government's rejection of Kyoto removed an incentive to invest in nuclear plants, the IAEA said. The treaty in effect requires companies to pay to emit carbon dioxide.
``Kyoto is the first step, because until now there's been no value attached to carbon dioxide emissions on the bottom line,'' McDonald said. ``It's a lot less clear about how carbon avoidance is going to be accounted for in the United States.''
U.S. companies are trying to renew licenses for old atomic reactors instead of building new ones. Three-quarters of the 104 nuclear power plants are seeking 20-year operating extensions, according to the agency.
``The industry is now looking at partly used nuclear plants as a good investment,'' said Brockman, 55, who worked at Detroit Edison Co. and Westinghouse Electric before joining the IAEA.
The Department of Energy gave $13 million last November to a group of companies including Chicago-based Exelon Corp., New Orleans-based Entergy Corp., and Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Corp. to investigate nuclear investment.
The Vienna-based IAEA produces its nuclear energy forecast once a year by inviting regulators from around the world to discuss new projects in their markets and model power demand.
Nuclear power's use will grow as higher fuel prices and the cost of carbon-emissions trading motivate companies and governments to invest in reactors, the United Nations nuclear watchdog predicted.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised its forecast for nuclear power for a fourth year, chief economist Alan McDonald said in an interview Tuesday. The equivalent of 127 1,000- megawatt plants will be built by 2020, the IAEA said. Capacity will rise to 427 gigawatts from 367 gigawatts today.
``Nuclear is often the better option for countries that put high value on energy security,'' McDonald said. ``It's a long- term, stable system.''
Atomic energy is becoming economically more attractive as the price of oil and natural gas rise. The Kyoto Protocol is leading countries that signed the treaty to consider nuclear energy, to reduce the emissions produced by gas- and coal-fired plants. Public concern about safety may be easing, polls show.
``The predictability of the industry's operations is better today than it ever has been,'' Ken Brockman, the IAEA's director of nuclear installation safety, said in an interview on Monday.
Asia will drive demand, McDonald said. China now relies on coal and oil for 90 percent of its fuel. It plans to get 40 gigawatts of electricity from nuclear power by 2020, up from 6.5 gigawatts today. India is building nine reactors and will increase capacity to 20 gigawatts from 2.7 gigawatts by 2012.
Western Reluctance
The only new reactor under construction in the United States and western Europe was ordered by Finland's utility, Teollisuuden Voima Oy. Siemens AG and France's Areva SA won a $3.7 billion contract to build the 1.6-gigawatt reactor in December 2003.
Westerners are more reluctant to invest in nuclear projects because of high costs, McDonald said, although reactors can run as long as 60 years and cost less money to operate, he said.
``George W. Bush says nuclear power is a good thing, but in a liberalized energy market, it's up to industry to decide,'' McDonald said. ``With a five-year planning horizon, gas and coal still look cheaper.''
Nuclear power costs up to 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 3.2 cents for coal and 3.5 cents for natural gas, according to a University of Chicago study last year. It can be brought down to 3.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the report, cited by the IAEA.
Safety Concerns
Safety concerns also hinder reactor construction in the West, after the Three Mile Island accident in the U.S. in 1979 and the Chernobyl explosion in Ukraine in 1986. No nuclear plants have been ordered in the U.S. since 1978, according to the IAEA. Germany agreed in 2000 to permanently close its 19 nuclear plants over the next two decades.
``Chernobyl is still a haunting issue,'' Linda Keen, the president of Canada's nuclear safety commission, said in an interview on Monday. Tighter regulation and industry peer reviews have helped to make nuclear power safer, she said.
New technologies are also addressing safety. Areva produces a reactor that uses 15 percent less uranium. Westinghouse makes a reactor that needs no human intervention.
``India and China don't have George Bush's problem because they're not investing in a liberalized market,'' McDonald said. ``If you're a government doing the investing, you can think long- term and consider non-monetary considerations.''
Incentive Missing
In the U.S., the government's rejection of Kyoto removed an incentive to invest in nuclear plants, the IAEA said. The treaty in effect requires companies to pay to emit carbon dioxide.
``Kyoto is the first step, because until now there's been no value attached to carbon dioxide emissions on the bottom line,'' McDonald said. ``It's a lot less clear about how carbon avoidance is going to be accounted for in the United States.''
U.S. companies are trying to renew licenses for old atomic reactors instead of building new ones. Three-quarters of the 104 nuclear power plants are seeking 20-year operating extensions, according to the agency.
``The industry is now looking at partly used nuclear plants as a good investment,'' said Brockman, 55, who worked at Detroit Edison Co. and Westinghouse Electric before joining the IAEA.
The Department of Energy gave $13 million last November to a group of companies including Chicago-based Exelon Corp., New Orleans-based Entergy Corp., and Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Corp. to investigate nuclear investment.
The Vienna-based IAEA produces its nuclear energy forecast once a year by inviting regulators from around the world to discuss new projects in their markets and model power demand.
Friday, March 04, 2005
U.S. Criticizes UN Nuclear Watchdog Over Iran Program
The U.S criticized the United Nations
nuclear watchdog today over its ability to assure the world that
Iran is using atomic technology for peaceful means.
``The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran
is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations as
it has been doing for years,'' U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders
said today in a statement to the International Atomic Energy
Agency's board of governors in Vienna.
The U.S. accused Iran of ``attempts to hide and mislead''
the international community about its nuclear program. The
Islamic nation told IAEA inspectors this week that they couldn't
make additional visits to its Parchin military complex. Diplomats
are concerned Iran hasn't fulfilled a pledge to halt uranium
processing and is building tunnels near a uranium mine.
The U.S.'s IAEA spokesman, Michael Garuckis, later called
Bloomberg News and said his delegation's criticisms were
primarily intended for Iran and not the IAEA, though the U.S.
stood by Ambassador Sanders' remarks.
Iran also criticized the IAEA, saying leaks to the media
compromise the security of Iranian facilities as the country
faces possible U.S. military strikes. The Islamic republic said
the leaks also jeopardize its relationship with the UN agency.
``When sensitive areas are visited, information that becomes
available to the agency can be available to others that may not
have the best of intentions,'' said Cyrus Nasseri, head of Iran's
delegation to the IAEA. ``Notions of threats of attacks against
Iran's safeguarded and other facilities are still there.''
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said countries are
entitled to ``different views'' of the agency's work. He also
encouraged Iran to fully cooperate with the inspections.
``This is a program that has been clandestine for almost two
decades,'' ElBaradei said today at a press conference. ``Iran
needs to go out of their way and not to just play by the book but
be more transparent.''
EU Negotiations
The European Union is negotiating with Iran over ways to
curtail its nuclear ambitions in exchange for possible trade
privileges. Iran, which has the world's second-largest oil
reserves, said that its ability to enrich uranium is essential to
its electricity-generating program and isn't negotiable. Uranium
also may be used in a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. has called for Iran to be brought before the UN
Security Council in New York for possible sanctions.
``We regret that Iran failed to report in a timely manner
the excavation of tunnels,'' the French, German and U.K.
delegations to the IAEA, which are leading the EU negotiating
effort, said in a statement to the IAEA board. ``While
transparency visits have taken place, Iran seems to have been
determined to limit their scope.''
March 12 Talks
The EU and Iran said they remain committed to negotiations.
The next set of monthly talks between the two sides are scheduled
for March 12.
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said yesterday that
Iran is now a powerful country because of its access to nuclear
technology, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News
Agency. Iran will never allow itself to be deprived of its right
to peaceful nuclear technology, Kharrazi said in Tehran.
U.S. President George W. Bush, after talks with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia last week, said he may
consider dropping his resistance to providing economic incentives
to win Iran's compliance. The U.S. has blocked Iran's bid for
membership of the World Trade Organization 20 times since 2001
and maintains a ban on trade with the country.
The so-called Non-Aligned Movement of nations, representing
13 of the 35 seats on the IAEA's board, said it was satisfied
with agency's progress in Iran. Any U.S. attempt to send Iran to
the Security Council requires a majority vote by the IAEA's
board.
Inspection Unhindered
``The agency's inspection activities appear to be unhindered
and is working smoothly as a routine safeguards matter,''
Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain told the IAEA's board.
Malaysia heads the Non-Aligned Movement, which was founded in the
1960s.
The Non-Aligned Movement's members on the IAEA board come
from Cuba, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Tunisia, Vietnam, Panama, Peru,
Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, Malaysia and Pakistan.
The U.S criticized the United Nations
nuclear watchdog today over its ability to assure the world that
Iran is using atomic technology for peaceful means.
``The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran
is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations as
it has been doing for years,'' U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders
said today in a statement to the International Atomic Energy
Agency's board of governors in Vienna.
The U.S. accused Iran of ``attempts to hide and mislead''
the international community about its nuclear program. The
Islamic nation told IAEA inspectors this week that they couldn't
make additional visits to its Parchin military complex. Diplomats
are concerned Iran hasn't fulfilled a pledge to halt uranium
processing and is building tunnels near a uranium mine.
The U.S.'s IAEA spokesman, Michael Garuckis, later called
Bloomberg News and said his delegation's criticisms were
primarily intended for Iran and not the IAEA, though the U.S.
stood by Ambassador Sanders' remarks.
Iran also criticized the IAEA, saying leaks to the media
compromise the security of Iranian facilities as the country
faces possible U.S. military strikes. The Islamic republic said
the leaks also jeopardize its relationship with the UN agency.
``When sensitive areas are visited, information that becomes
available to the agency can be available to others that may not
have the best of intentions,'' said Cyrus Nasseri, head of Iran's
delegation to the IAEA. ``Notions of threats of attacks against
Iran's safeguarded and other facilities are still there.''
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said countries are
entitled to ``different views'' of the agency's work. He also
encouraged Iran to fully cooperate with the inspections.
``This is a program that has been clandestine for almost two
decades,'' ElBaradei said today at a press conference. ``Iran
needs to go out of their way and not to just play by the book but
be more transparent.''
EU Negotiations
The European Union is negotiating with Iran over ways to
curtail its nuclear ambitions in exchange for possible trade
privileges. Iran, which has the world's second-largest oil
reserves, said that its ability to enrich uranium is essential to
its electricity-generating program and isn't negotiable. Uranium
also may be used in a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. has called for Iran to be brought before the UN
Security Council in New York for possible sanctions.
``We regret that Iran failed to report in a timely manner
the excavation of tunnels,'' the French, German and U.K.
delegations to the IAEA, which are leading the EU negotiating
effort, said in a statement to the IAEA board. ``While
transparency visits have taken place, Iran seems to have been
determined to limit their scope.''
March 12 Talks
The EU and Iran said they remain committed to negotiations.
The next set of monthly talks between the two sides are scheduled
for March 12.
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said yesterday that
Iran is now a powerful country because of its access to nuclear
technology, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News
Agency. Iran will never allow itself to be deprived of its right
to peaceful nuclear technology, Kharrazi said in Tehran.
U.S. President George W. Bush, after talks with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia last week, said he may
consider dropping his resistance to providing economic incentives
to win Iran's compliance. The U.S. has blocked Iran's bid for
membership of the World Trade Organization 20 times since 2001
and maintains a ban on trade with the country.
The so-called Non-Aligned Movement of nations, representing
13 of the 35 seats on the IAEA's board, said it was satisfied
with agency's progress in Iran. Any U.S. attempt to send Iran to
the Security Council requires a majority vote by the IAEA's
board.
Inspection Unhindered
``The agency's inspection activities appear to be unhindered
and is working smoothly as a routine safeguards matter,''
Malaysian Ambassador Rajmah Hussain told the IAEA's board.
Malaysia heads the Non-Aligned Movement, which was founded in the
1960s.
The Non-Aligned Movement's members on the IAEA board come
from Cuba, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Tunisia, Vietnam, Panama, Peru,
Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, Malaysia and Pakistan.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
N. Korea Told U.S. Has `No Intention' of Attacking; Talks Urged
The U.S. today assured North Korea it
isn't threatened by military attack and urged Kim Jong Il's
government to return to the six-nation talks designed to end its
nuclear weapons program.
``The president of the United States has said that we have
no intention of attacking or invading North Korea,'' according to
a statement from the U.S. delegation to the International Atomic
Energy Agency's board of governors in Vienna.
The U.S. is ``deeply concerned'' about North Korea's
development of nuclear weapons, according to the statement. Kim
said on Feb. 10 that North Korea has nuclear arms. The country of
22 million people may already have 10 nuclear weapons, the
Brussels-based International Crisis Group estimated in November.
The U.S., China, Japan, South Korea and Russia have called
on North Korea to hold new talks. North Korea in September
refused to attend a fourth round of discussions within the forum,
citing ``hostile'' U.S. policies. Kim said on Feb. 21 the
communist country will rejoin the talks if it receives guarantees
it won't be attacked and gets pledges of aid.
``The recent declaration by North Korea that it possesses
nuclear weapons is a matter of utmost concern and has serious
security implications,'' IAEA Director Mohamed ElBaradei said in
a statement two days ago. It ``highlights yet again the
importance and the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution
through dialogue.''
The U.S. today assured North Korea it
isn't threatened by military attack and urged Kim Jong Il's
government to return to the six-nation talks designed to end its
nuclear weapons program.
``The president of the United States has said that we have
no intention of attacking or invading North Korea,'' according to
a statement from the U.S. delegation to the International Atomic
Energy Agency's board of governors in Vienna.
The U.S. is ``deeply concerned'' about North Korea's
development of nuclear weapons, according to the statement. Kim
said on Feb. 10 that North Korea has nuclear arms. The country of
22 million people may already have 10 nuclear weapons, the
Brussels-based International Crisis Group estimated in November.
The U.S., China, Japan, South Korea and Russia have called
on North Korea to hold new talks. North Korea in September
refused to attend a fourth round of discussions within the forum,
citing ``hostile'' U.S. policies. Kim said on Feb. 21 the
communist country will rejoin the talks if it receives guarantees
it won't be attacked and gets pledges of aid.
``The recent declaration by North Korea that it possesses
nuclear weapons is a matter of utmost concern and has serious
security implications,'' IAEA Director Mohamed ElBaradei said in
a statement two days ago. It ``highlights yet again the
importance and the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution
through dialogue.''
Monday, February 28, 2005
UN Looks at Nuclear Ties Between Iran and Pakistan
Feb. 28 (Bloomberg) -- The United Nations nuclear watchdog
said it's investigating a Pakistani offer to supply Iran with
atomic technology in 1987 as part of its continuing verification
of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
``We're getting cooperation from Pakistan about the
network,'' International Atomic Energy Agency spokesman Mark
Gwozdecky said today in an interview. ``Iran has shown to us an
extensive offer they received.''
The agency continues to pursue inspections of Iranian
nuclear and military facilities, IAEA Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei told the group's Board of Governors today. The 35-
member board is meeting this week in Vienna.
``I would encourage Iran to provide full transparency with
respect to all of its nuclear activities,'' ElBaradei said. ``In
some cases, the receipt of information is still pending, which in
turn delays our work.''
It's the first time since June 2003 that the IAEA won't
submit a report about Iran's nuclear program. Last November, the
board decided to keep Iran off this meeting's agenda. The
European Union is negotiating with Iran about ways to curtail its
nuclear ambitions in exchange for possible trade privileges.
Iran, which has the world's second largest oil reserves,
said that it's ability to enrich uranium ``isn't negotiable,''
Hassan Rohani, the country's chief negotiator told European
officials last week according to a report by Agence France-
Presse. The next set of monthly negotiations between the two
sides will be held by March 12.
U.S. President George W. Bush, after talks with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia last week, said he may
consider dropping his resistance to providing economic incentives
to win Iran's compliance. The U.S. has blocked Iran's bid for
membership of the World Trade Organization 20 times since 2001
and maintains a two-decade-old ban on trade with the country.
Feb. 28 (Bloomberg) -- The United Nations nuclear watchdog
said it's investigating a Pakistani offer to supply Iran with
atomic technology in 1987 as part of its continuing verification
of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
``We're getting cooperation from Pakistan about the
network,'' International Atomic Energy Agency spokesman Mark
Gwozdecky said today in an interview. ``Iran has shown to us an
extensive offer they received.''
The agency continues to pursue inspections of Iranian
nuclear and military facilities, IAEA Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei told the group's Board of Governors today. The 35-
member board is meeting this week in Vienna.
``I would encourage Iran to provide full transparency with
respect to all of its nuclear activities,'' ElBaradei said. ``In
some cases, the receipt of information is still pending, which in
turn delays our work.''
It's the first time since June 2003 that the IAEA won't
submit a report about Iran's nuclear program. Last November, the
board decided to keep Iran off this meeting's agenda. The
European Union is negotiating with Iran about ways to curtail its
nuclear ambitions in exchange for possible trade privileges.
Iran, which has the world's second largest oil reserves,
said that it's ability to enrich uranium ``isn't negotiable,''
Hassan Rohani, the country's chief negotiator told European
officials last week according to a report by Agence France-
Presse. The next set of monthly negotiations between the two
sides will be held by March 12.
U.S. President George W. Bush, after talks with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia last week, said he may
consider dropping his resistance to providing economic incentives
to win Iran's compliance. The U.S. has blocked Iran's bid for
membership of the World Trade Organization 20 times since 2001
and maintains a two-decade-old ban on trade with the country.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Nuclear Power on the Rise Because of Kyoto, UN Agency Says
Countries are investing more in
nuclear power since the Kyoto Protocol came into effect this
month, binding 35 nations and the European Union to cut their
emissions of greenhouse gases to combat atmospheric warming.
The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency
expects the equivalent of 127 new 1000-megawatt nuclear power
plants to be built in the next 15 years, Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei told the group's board of governors today. Signatories
of the Kyoto Protocol must cut emissions of six gases by 5 percent
from 1990 levels. Nuclear power produces almost no gas emissions.
``In the past, the virtual absence of restrictions or taxes
on greenhouse gas emissions has meant that nuclear power's
advantage has had no tangible economic value,'' ElBaradei said.
``The widespread, coordinated emission restrictions of the Kyoto
Protocol will likely change that over the longer term.''
The treaty prompted the EU to start this year a compulsory
carbon allowance market across its 25 member states. Companies
that emit less than permitted amounts of gases may sell unused
allowances and those that pollute more must buy extra permits,
creating an incentive to curb pollution. Trading in EU allowances
may exceed $5 billion this year, according to the Amsterdam-based
European Climate Exchange.
China will increase its nuclear electricity generation in
2020 to 40 gigawatts from 6.5 gigawatts today, ElBaradei said,
citing the IAEA's 2005 Nuclear Technology Review. Russia may
raise its capacity to 45 gigawatts by 2020 from 22 gigawatts
today. India will increase its nuclear capacity tenfold by 2022,
ElBaradei said.
Countries are investing more in
nuclear power since the Kyoto Protocol came into effect this
month, binding 35 nations and the European Union to cut their
emissions of greenhouse gases to combat atmospheric warming.
The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency
expects the equivalent of 127 new 1000-megawatt nuclear power
plants to be built in the next 15 years, Director General Mohamed
ElBaradei told the group's board of governors today. Signatories
of the Kyoto Protocol must cut emissions of six gases by 5 percent
from 1990 levels. Nuclear power produces almost no gas emissions.
``In the past, the virtual absence of restrictions or taxes
on greenhouse gas emissions has meant that nuclear power's
advantage has had no tangible economic value,'' ElBaradei said.
``The widespread, coordinated emission restrictions of the Kyoto
Protocol will likely change that over the longer term.''
The treaty prompted the EU to start this year a compulsory
carbon allowance market across its 25 member states. Companies
that emit less than permitted amounts of gases may sell unused
allowances and those that pollute more must buy extra permits,
creating an incentive to curb pollution. Trading in EU allowances
may exceed $5 billion this year, according to the Amsterdam-based
European Climate Exchange.
China will increase its nuclear electricity generation in
2020 to 40 gigawatts from 6.5 gigawatts today, ElBaradei said,
citing the IAEA's 2005 Nuclear Technology Review. Russia may
raise its capacity to 45 gigawatts by 2020 from 22 gigawatts
today. India will increase its nuclear capacity tenfold by 2022,
ElBaradei said.
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