Iran to complete nuclear R&D by March
While world powers meet in Paris to discuss Tehran sanctions,
Iranian nuclear negotiator announces imminent completion of
research and development
Reuters
Published: 12.05.06, 22:17
Iran will complete its nuclear research and development work by
March, the Islamic republics chief nuclear negotiator said on
Tuesday as six world powers meet to discuss imposing sanctions over
Tehrans atomic plans.
"All parts of our research and development program will be achieved
by the end of this Iranian year (March 2007), Ali Larijani told
Irans official IRNA news agency, without elaborating.
Tehran says it will expand its atomic work by installing 3,000
centrifuges, devices used to enrich uranium either to make fuel for
power stations or material warheads. Tehran insists its plans are
peaceful but the West fears it has military goals.
Iran now operates two chains of 164 centrifuges and has only
enriched tiny quantities of uranium to levels used in power
stations. Experts say with 3,000 centrifuges in place, Tehran could
make enough material for at least one warhead in a year.
Larijani said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was
informed about Irans nuclear plans.
"This (completing nuclear R&D) certainly will be under
supervision of the agency, Larijani said.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday Iran was one step
from mastering the fuel cycle but did not give details.