25 November 2009 / AP, TEHRAN
Iran said on Tuesday it was ready to exchange its low-enriched uranium with a higher enriched material, but only on its own soil, to guarantee the West follows through with promises to give the fuel.
The Iranian terms mean an effective rejection of a UN-brokered plan designed to delay its ability to build a nuclear weapon. Under the plan, Iran would export its uranium for enrichment in Russia and France where it would be converted into fuel rods, which would be returned to Iran about a year later. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Iran had sent its response on the proposal to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, saying it wants a simultaneous exchange on Iranian soil. “Iran’s answer is given. I think the other side has received it,” said Mehmanparast. “The creation of a 100 percent guarantee for delivery of the fuel is important for Iran.” Another Iranian official, Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s atomic energy agency, confirmed the details, saying that in Iran’s view such an exchange was an “objective guarantee.” Iranian officials have accused the West of breaking past promises to supply it technology. They say they don’t trust the West will eventually send back the fuel rods if Tehran lets its uranium abroad.
