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Iran Still Carries Out Activities Related to Development of Nuclear Weapons

By Mina Fabulous  

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Susan E. Rice today said the IAEA's information indicates that Iran has carried out activities that are - and I quote - "relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device."

In her remarks at a Security Council Briefing on Iran and Resolution 1737, Ms. Rice said it was critical critical moment in the Council's ongoing effort to address the threat posed by Iran's illicit nuclear activities.

Néstor Osorio, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the UN and Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), also known as the Iran Sanctions Committee, briefs the Security Council. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

"Since we last met, the IAEA Director General has released a damning report on the status of Iran's implementation of its NPT Safeguards Agreement and its response to UN Security Council resolutions on Iran."- Ms. Rice

She noted that the report concluded that Iran remains in noncompliance with its international nuclear obligations and added to the mountain of evidence that Iran is misleading international community about its nuclear activities and its nuclear intentions.

"Of even greater concern, this report addressed the question at the heart of the international community's concerns: has Iran carried out, and is it still carrying out, activities related to the development of a nuclear weapon?" -Ms. Rice

She stressed that the report is clear: the IAEA's information indicates that Iran has carried out activities that are "relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device."

She highlighted that the report further states "that prior to the end of 2003, these activities took place under a structured program, and that some activities may still be ongoing."

"Iran's self-proclaimed intention to start enrichment at the underground Qom facility, perhaps as soon as this month. This is the same facility that Iran hid from the international community until it was discovered two years ago." -Ms. Rice

She cited that at Qom, Iran now intends to consolidate its provocative production of uranium enriched to a level near 20 percent. She said it is concerning because it brings Iran significantly closer to the capability to produce highly enriched uranium.

"To date, Iran has yet to provide a credible rationale for the production of near 20% enriched uranium. It has already produced sufficient fuel to power the Tehran Research Reactor for another five years, at minimum, and Iranian leaders have already described this production as "uneconomical." -Ms. Rice

She stressed that the Council therefore must redouble its efforts to implement the sanctions already imposed. She underlined that full implementation of these measures will show Iran there is a price to be paid for its deception.

Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.