IAEA rejects Iranian aid request in a nuclear project

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-23-2006 08:51

Thirty-five countries on the board of the UN's nuclear watchdog say they'll reject, for the moment, an Iranian call for aid in a nuclear project. They fear weapon-proliferation, despite Tehran's claims that its nuclear program only aims to produce energy for civilian use.

Just a day ahead of a formal decision, a majority of countries on the IAEA board say they'll deny Iran's request for help in building a nuclear reactor in Arak. Western envoys say they cannot trust Iran, given what they see as it's chronic opacity in matters of nuclear research. They believe Tehran aims to produce weapons, not civil energy, as it claims.

This is a concern fueled by the heavy-water reactor Iran says it wants to build. Both heavy and light water reactors produce plutonium. But heavy-water reactors are more efficient at making the type of plutonium needed in most nuclear weapons.

Gregory Schulte of US Ambassador to IAEA said, "This is of concern to the majority of the members on the board of governors because the board has repeatedly called Iran to reconsider construction of this plant and the reason why is simple. The plant does not make sense from a civil perspective but it is the type of reactor, heavy water reactor that will produce large quantities of plutonium that could be used for nuclear weapons."

But the rejection is not categorical. The 35-strong board comprises members from both Western and developing countries. And it's postponing for 2 years, not banning outright, Tehran's request. This is in deference to developing countries who want help in the future for their own peaceful energy programs.

Meanwhile, an un-named Iranian official says the decision poses no great setback to Tehran's atomic ambitions. The Arak reactor is set to go on line in 2009 with or without help from the IAEA.

Editor:Sun Luying