Director of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Fereydoun Abbasi,
said in Tehran today that Iran will not stop 20-percent uranium enrichment in
response to external demands and pressures.
“Iran will not suspend 20 percent uranium enrichment because of the
demands of others,” Abbasi said. “We will produce 20 percent enriched uranium
to meet its needs and for however long it is required.” (ISNA/Reuters, 18
December)
Abbasi’s comments signal a tough bargaining position ahead of an
anticipated meeting with the world’s six major powers. The West will reportedly
insist on the halt of 20-percent uranium enrichment, the removal of the
country’s existing 20-percent stockpile and the closure of its underground facility
at Fordo that produces the higher-enriched uranium.
A spokesman for the EU quickly responded to Abbasi’s comments saying Iran
must come to grips with increasing international disquiet over the ultimate
purpose of its uranium enrichment program.
“Iran has to address the immediate key concern, which is the issue of
20-percent enrichment, by taking an initial comprehensive confidence-building
step in this area, thereby creating space for more diplomacy and negotiations,”
the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said. (Reuters, 18
December)
1 comment:
that "to meet its needs" part is the interesting thing......
as Iran already has stockpiled more 20% enriched than it can use for civilian purposes in the next decade, that indicates that Iran has put a halt to enrichment on the table.
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