Remarks by Spokesperson Robert Wood on Nuclear Cooperation between Russia and Iran (Excerpts)

February 25, 2009

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

Related Country: 

  • Russia

. . .

 

QUESTION: Iranian official today announced that they have started carrying on the power plant in Bushehr. Any comment on that?

MR. WOOD: Well, we are aware of the reports about, you know, the Bushehr nuclear reactor. But I'd have to refer you to the Russian Government for more details of that.
But you know, the fuel supply and spent fuel return arrangements that have been worked out between Iran and Russia are an appropriate mechanism for Iran to receive the benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. And so it also, I think, demonstrates that Iran does not need to develop any kind of indigenous, you know, uranium enrichment capacity. So that's all I have for you on that.

QUESTION: This plant still needs some testing -- that it could take several months. Are you going to ask the Russians to delay the opening of the plant or, do you think it's a good thing if it works, actually?

MR. WOOD: Well, again, what we want to - what we have been trying to emphasize is that Iran doesn't need to develop its own nuclear capacity. We think the - what the Russians are doing with regard to the fuel supply and spent fuel arrangements are an appropriate mechanism. And so, I'll just leave it at that.

QUESTION: But what about the centrifuges?

MR. WOOD: Well, again, I'm just referring specifically to what the Russians and the Iranians are talking about. I don't have anymore details on the - with regard to the centrifuge aspect of this.

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