What is your reaction to Iran's announcement that it will start construction of a third uranium enrichment site in the first half of 2011?

The announcement made by Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, regarding the construction of a new uranium enrichment site in the first half of 2011 only serves to exacerbate the international community's grave concerns regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

We expect Iran to comply with its international obligations by suspending all of its uranium enrichment activities.

Should this decision be confirmed, it would constitute a further violation by Iran of its obligations under the six UN Security Council resolutions. Resolution 1929, adopted on June 6, unequivocally reaffirms that Iran is expected to "suspend all enrichment-related activities," "not to construct any new uranium enrichment facility," and "to discontinue construction of any uranium enrichment facility."

I want to reaffirm that the Iranian enrichment program does not have any identifiable civilian purpose since the fuel for the only power station that will be in operation during the next few years, the Bushehr power station, will be supplied by Russia.

We expect Tehran to choose cooperation and to finally agree to enter into genuine negotiations with the Six.

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