Iran enrichment talks group gets a deal
Published: 21 October, 2009, 15:38
Edited: 22 October, 2009, 13:48
Mohammed El Baradei (L) talks with Vilmos Cserveny, (2-R), Director of the IAEA Office of External Relations and Policy Coordination during a meeting of representatives of France (AFP Photo / Samuel Kubani)
(15.9Mb) embed videoTAGS: Nuclear, Russia, Middle East, Politics, Europe
Negotiators have reached a draft deal, which will see Iranian uranium processed in Russia and France to produce ready-to-use nuclear fuel rods.
The news comes from the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, who spoke to the media on Wednesday. He said the draft agreement has been sent to participant countries’ governments for approval, and the deal is to be signed by Friday. He didn’t provide any details on the final version of the agreement.
The IAEA head sounded optimistic: “I very much hope that people see the big picture that this agreement could open the way for a complete normalization of relations between Iran and the international community.”
Iranian negotiator Ali Asghar Soltanieh stressed that Iran is making a gesture of goodwill by agreeing to the deal:
“Of course you are well aware that we have mastered enrichment technology. We can produce the fuel for ourselves on this reactor for 20% enrichment, but we’ve decided that we will receive the fuel from the potential suppliers which are willing to do that instead,” he said.
The uranium fuel deal was first proposed during talks in Geneva on October 1. It aims to dispel fears in some countries that Teheran wants to use uranium produced at its enrichment facilities to make nuclear weapons. Iran insists it needs the fissile material to develop its civilian nuclear program.
According to the proposed scheme, the low-grade uranium produced at the Iranian plant in Natanz is to be sent to Russia for further enrichment. The higher-grade material will then be used to make nuclear fuel rod assemblies in France and delivered to Iran’s power plants.
Earlier, the talks in Vienna were reportedly stalled after the Iranian delegation objected to French participation in the scheme, citing its past negative experience in nuclear cooperation.
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1 comment
“Russia – best choice for enriching Iranian uranium”Reliable technology and support of Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program makes Russia the perfect spot for enriching Iranian uranium says Sergey Utkin from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations. |
It's time to wait and see. France is a proxy. The enrichment in Russia, and the production of rods in France. The enrichment is for scientific and medical purposes, therefore, higher then the enrichment needed for the production of electricity. Now, it all depends on what quantities will be shipped to Russia, and then, to France. If the production will be staggered in a manner that France gets only a fraction for final product, but not all. That way, if France delivers the finalized product, it can then get the next installment from Russia. It makes no sense to have France be the gatekeeper. What if, following the receipt of the entire enriched material, France decides to refuse to send it to Iran? Nothing is sacred here. Somebody wants to get hands on Iran's nuclear material, and the proof will be in the details of the deal. The process should shift on Israel's nuclear weapons. And Iran, following normalization, should join SCO, to solve many of its problems in the future, including nuclear energy.
Bianca, Spot on, we need to encourage Iran to join the SCO and build them into the community. Inclusiveness and tolerance build trust, the one ideology approach trying to be pushed by the west, just brings hatred and conflict. Also yourself and armen08 are correct, once Iran is settled, the world, led by Russia must focus on Israel and the removal of its nuclear weapons. I will find it unacceptable, and hypocritical, if Russia does not lead this call! In terms of deal I really think it is the way to go, Uranium beer (strength) is OK to make by countries for their power needs, the stronger Uranium Spirits need a bit more control, and of course the whole system needs monitoring. Once every body follows through and supports the rights of countries to use nuclear power for civilian use, then we will see a more open attitude to inspection. It is a challenge for the world to make civilian use of nuclear power possible. There is no option to deny rights to some, because they are not in your gang! or you want to own the fuel cycle for political and financial gain.