Iran acknowledges nuclear plant
Jennie Pernisi, Staff Writer
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: Politics
A red flag was raised to leaders across the globe this week when Iran sent a letter to Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirming the establishment of a second pilot uranium enrichment plant. This plant is sustainable of producing enough uranium for one to two atomic bombs per year, according to the Associated Press. Iran has previously denied the existence of such a plant and, according to western officials, has only now disclosed the information after learning of western intelligence investigation.
In a press conference Friday, Sept. 27, American, French and British leaders collaboratively warned Iran that if they did not come clean to the motive behind the plant that Iran as a nation would face consequences with the international community.
The nuclear plant in question is located near the holy city of Qom southwest of Tehran, Iran. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Nuclear Power, called the nuclear power plant "a semi-industrial plant for enriching nuclear fuel" and said that UN inspectors would be welcome to visit the facility, according to the Associated Press. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran has done nothing wrong and the world would regret accusing them of any wrongdoing concerning the plant. Ahmadinejad also said the plant would not be operational for another 18 months.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev asked Iran to be responsible and honest in dealing with the international situation,
"We call on Iran to show maximum cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] on this issue," Medvedev said in a news conference.
President Barack Obama spoke to the world at the news conference on Friday about his security concern on this issue.
"Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow. The size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful program," Obama said.
Ahmadinejad spoke to Newsweek in an exclusive interview and continued to deny any foul play when it comes to Iran's uranium enrichment plant,
"I believe that if we violate international law and regulations, no one will benefit from it. Everyone must follow international rules. The nuclear issue belongs to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA has a clear-cut path on how to deal with these issues. We have certain commitments and obligations as well as rights within that framework. We will carry out our obligations and also enjoy our rights," Ahmadinejad said.
During the press conference Obama addressed the concept of using military force to restrain Iran's nuclear program.
"With respect to the military, I've always said that we do not rule out any options when it comes to U.S. security interests, but I will also re-emphasize that my preferred course of action is to resolve this in a diplomatic fashion. It's up to the Iranians to respond," Obama said.
Iran will meet with the six world powers on Oct. 1 to further discuss the situation.
In a press conference Friday, Sept. 27, American, French and British leaders collaboratively warned Iran that if they did not come clean to the motive behind the plant that Iran as a nation would face consequences with the international community.
The nuclear plant in question is located near the holy city of Qom southwest of Tehran, Iran. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Nuclear Power, called the nuclear power plant "a semi-industrial plant for enriching nuclear fuel" and said that UN inspectors would be welcome to visit the facility, according to the Associated Press. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran has done nothing wrong and the world would regret accusing them of any wrongdoing concerning the plant. Ahmadinejad also said the plant would not be operational for another 18 months.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev asked Iran to be responsible and honest in dealing with the international situation,
"We call on Iran to show maximum cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] on this issue," Medvedev said in a news conference.
President Barack Obama spoke to the world at the news conference on Friday about his security concern on this issue.
"Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow. The size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful program," Obama said.
Ahmadinejad spoke to Newsweek in an exclusive interview and continued to deny any foul play when it comes to Iran's uranium enrichment plant,
"I believe that if we violate international law and regulations, no one will benefit from it. Everyone must follow international rules. The nuclear issue belongs to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA has a clear-cut path on how to deal with these issues. We have certain commitments and obligations as well as rights within that framework. We will carry out our obligations and also enjoy our rights," Ahmadinejad said.
During the press conference Obama addressed the concept of using military force to restrain Iran's nuclear program.
"With respect to the military, I've always said that we do not rule out any options when it comes to U.S. security interests, but I will also re-emphasize that my preferred course of action is to resolve this in a diplomatic fashion. It's up to the Iranians to respond," Obama said.
Iran will meet with the six world powers on Oct. 1 to further discuss the situation.
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