Bushehr reactor (archives) Photo: Reuters
Secretary of state says Washington concerned with Tehran's facilities in Natanz, Qom and 'other places where we believe they are conducting their weapons program'
Reuters
The United States has no problem with Iran's Russian-built Bushehr nuclear reactor plant but with other sites where weapons work may be underway, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.
"Our problem is not with their reactor at Bushehr, our problem is with their facilities at places like Natanz and their secret facility at Qom and other places where we believe they are conducting their weapons program," Clinton said.
Iran began loading fuel into the core of its first nuclear power plant at Bushehr earlier on Tuesday, its atomic energy chief said, the last major step to realizing its stated goal of becoming a peaceful user of nuclear energy.
"I heard some of the news coverage that, you know, oh my goodness the Iranians are starting their reactor. That is not the issue," she told reporters at a meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger.
"They are entitled to peaceful civilian nuclear power. They are not entitled to nuclear weapons," Clinton added.
Clinton emphasized that Russia's work on the Bushehr light-water reactor was separate from the long-running international standoff with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions.
"What they (Iran) are doing is starting a reactor that is -- based on everything we know about it, and everything that the Russians have informed us about it since they have worked with the Iranians over many years to build this reactor -- strictly for peaceful purposes," Clinton said.
Iranian officials said Bushehr showed Iran's nuclear plans were on track despite UN, US and European Union sanctions aimed at forcing it to curb uranium enrichment, which many countries fear is aimed at developing atomic bombs.
Spindelegger said there were signs Iran was ready to come to the negotiating table. Clinton confirmed that Washington also hoped Tehran would resume negotiations with the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China on an offer of incentives in exchange for Iran halting enrichment.
She said she hoped that EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton could soon launch "an in-depth negotiation (with Iran) over their nuclear program" on behalf of the six powers.
Note:
Dear Mrs. Clinton -
Are you the new Alice in Wonderland? Have you left the Land of Reality and joined up with the white rabbit? Please come out of whatever fantasy world you live in and like your boss, do America a huge favor and either resign or begin acting like a Secretary of State, for the safety of the United States and the world!
I am guessing this is Obama's way of explaining his attitude and agenda relating to Iran - "Don't worry,Be Happy" ... !! (Or, go golfing - be happy!)
Bee Sting
Don't Worry Be Happy Bobby Mc Ferrin [SMILE]
