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Iran for nuclear fuel centre

MOSCOW: Teheran is calling for a nuclear fuel production centre to be set up in Iran with the involvement of other countries, said the Iranian Embassy in Moscow on Tuesday.

The proposal, announced in a statement from Iran's embassy in Moscow, presents an alternative to a Russian offer to host Iran's nuclear fuel production as a way to ease concerns that enrichment conducted in Iran could be aiming to develop atomic weapons.

``In terms of satisfying its needs, Tehran cannot remain dependent on international suppliers,'' Teheran said in the statement.

``Iran would welcome the creation of an international nuclear fuel centre on its territory with the participation of other countries and in the framework of an international consortium.''

Moscow's proposal to move Iran's uranium enrichment programme to Russia is meant to guarantee international oversight of fuel production and ensure it cannot be used for weapons production.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is only meant to generate power. The Iranian statement reiterated that U.N. Security Council intervention in the dispute would ``escalate tensions, entailing negative consequences that would be of benefit to no party.'' — AP

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