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NUCLEAR POLICY
1 US set to bypass UN over Iran 28 Aug 2006
2 US spy agencies pressed to fabricate justificaation for Iran war
3 IPS-English IRAN NUKE PROGRAMME: Israel may take unilateral
4 IRNA: Indonesia calls for cooperating with Iran in uranium enrichmen
5 Guardian Unlimited: Iran Not Concerned About U.N. Deadline
6 Guardian Unlimited: U.S. to Press for Sanctions Against Iran
7 IRNA: No one can deprive Iran from N-rights - president
8 New York Times: An Ex-Official Offers Glimpse of Iranian Views of U.
9 IRNA: Elham says Bolton's anti-Iran remarks "unfounded"
10 Reuters: France urges Iran, Syria to work with the world
11 IRNA: MP: Iran poses no threat to any country
12 IRIB PERSIAN News: Justice,only solution to IRI N-issue
13 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: Nuclear weapons, not source of power
14 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: IRI ready to talk with 5+1 Group FMs
15 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: IRI poses no threat to any country
16 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: Enriched industrial uranium coming
17 AFP: US seeks Egyptian support on Iran nuclear issue
18 AFP: Iran rejects US warning as nuclear deadline nears
19 AFP: US renews threat of unilateral sanctions against Iran
20 IRNA: Larijani: Iran ready for talks with 5+1 group's FMs
21 AFP: Israel calls on world to oppose Iranian 'threat'
22 Dar Al Hayat: Uranium Enrichment and Possible Sanctions on Iran
23 IRNA: Ahmadinejad: Iran not after acquiring nuclear weapons
24 irna: Authority not emanating from nuclear weapons, aggression - Elh
25 IRNA: Iran in process of producing enriched industrial uranium
26 IRNA: China cautions US, Europe against imposing economic sanction o
27 Guardian Unlimited: Report: NKorea Removes Missile Equipment
28 Guardian Unlimited: Rumsfeld: S. Korea Need Not Fear North
29 Korea Herald: [EDITORIAL] Pyongyang's choice
30 Korea Herald: 'North ready to test nukes on Kim's word'
31 RIA Novosti: Kazakh, Japanese leaders sign up to nuclear cooperation
32 Korea: Digital Chosunilbo: N.Korea Ready for Nuke Test Anytime - Spy
33 Korea Times: North Korea's Nuclear Test Always Possible
34 US: Rumsfeld Promotes "Missile Defense" Test
35 Guardian Unlimited: Rumsfeld Urges Russia on U.S. Nuke Plan
36 US: Idaho Statesman: Craig: "It is a vitally important and growing c
37 The Australian: Physicist joins nuclear taskforce
38 Guardian Unlimited: Italy delivers on aim to be go-between
39 Reuters: Middle East peace process must be revived--Chirac
NUCLEAR REACTORS
40 The Hindu: Nuclear scientists meet Manmohan
41 RIA Novosti: Russian nuclear agency could set up venture fund in lat
42 US: Clarion-Ledger: Community shows up for nuclear plant hearing -
43 Sofia Echo: New power plant proposed in Bulgaria -
44 UPI: German minister wants nuke plant shut
45 Pittsburgh Business Times: Westinghouse deals in S. Korea worth $300
46 US: NRC: Tennessee Valley Authority; Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, Units
47 ITAR-TASS: Fast neutron reactor reactivated at Beloyarsk NPP after r
48 PRN: Westinghouse Signs New Nuclear Plant Contracts in South Korea
49 Malaysia Star: Malaysia may go for nuke energy
50 US: BostonHerald.com: Opinion & Editorial: No TMI danger
NUCLEAR SECURITY
51 US: Boston Globe: Raytheon targets nuclear smuggling
NUCLEAR SAFETY
52 [DU Information List] Weapons Used, targets hit.
53 US: Las Vegas SUN: U.S. to conduct non-nuclear experiment at Nevada
54 US: Gazette.com: A dismal radon report card
NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE
55 US: The State: Burning MOX fuel beats burying it
56 US: A Newswire: California Proposes Rocket Fuel Safety Limit -
PEACE
US DEPT. OF ENERGY
57 DOE: New DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary to Lead the Global Nuclear
58 DOE: Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridg
59 Columbus Dispatch: Piketon worker wins his job back Retaliation alle
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FULL NEWS STORIES
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1 US set to bypass UN over Iran 28 Aug 2006
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:36:39 -0500 (CDT)
X-Sender-Host-Name: chumbly.math.missouri.edu
X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST
Breaking News and Commentary from Citizens for Legitimate Government
28 August 2006 http://www.legitgov.org/ All links to articles as
summarized below are available here:
http://www.legitgov.org/index.html#breaking_news
US set to bypass UN over Iran 28 Aug 2006 The British Prime Minister,
Tony Blair, faces the embarrassing prospect of once again being
asked to back the US over the United Nations as Washington prepares
to forge a diplomatic "coalition of the willing" [US, Israel] to
pursue economic sanctions against Iran.
Israel air force chief to plan war on Iran 27 Aug 2006 Israel has
appointed a top general to oversee a war against Iran, prompting
speculation that it is preparing for possible military action against
Teheran's nuclear programme.
Maj Gen Elyezer Shkedy, Israel's air force chief, will be overall
commander for the "Iran front", according to military sources spoken
to by The Sunday Telegraph.
Russia blocks sanctions against Iran 26 Aug 2006 Russia ruled out
imposing economic sanctions on Iran yesterday, delivering a blow
to America's efforts to isolate Teheran's regime in protest over
its nuclear programme.
Ahmadinejad launches new nuclear project 26 Aug 2006 Iran's president
launched a new phase in the Arak heavy-water reactor project on
Saturday, saying Tehran would not give up its right to nuclear
technology despite Western fears it is aimed at producing a bomb.
[See: U.S. Cold War gift: Iran nuclear plant --Now cited as evidence
of weapons activity, facility was provided to shah's government 24
Aug 2006]
Leading Iraq archaeologist flees --Archaeologist is well known
internationally for his efforts to recover Iraq's looted antiquities
[by Bush's barbarians].
26 Aug 2006 Iraq's most prominent archaeologist, Donny George, has
fled the country and is reported to have said poor security and
political pressures forced him out.
Bush's corpora-terrorists continue to rape Iraq: Weary Iraqis Face
New Foe:
Rising Prices 26 Aug 2006 For Mehdi Dawood, Iraq's failures have
leached into the cucumbers, a staple of every meal that now devours
a fifth of his monthly pension. Fuel and electricity prices are up
more than 270 percent from last year's, according to Iraqi government
figures. Tea in some markets has quadrupled, egg prices have
doubled...
Bombs in Iraq kill at least 18, wound dozens 27 Aug 2006 A series
of explosions killed at least 18 people and wounded dozens Sunday
as Iraq's relentless violence remained unabated despite an appeal
from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for an end to 'sectarian fighting'
[US terrorism].
Five U.S. soldiers killed in two roadside bombings in Iraq 28 Aug
2006 Five U.S. soldiers in Iraq were killed in two roadside bombings
on Sunday, the U.S.
military said on Monday.
UK soldier killed in Afghanistan 27 Aug 2006 A British soldier has
been killed overnight in the southern Helmand province of Afghanistan,
the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Briton, 10 Taliban Killed in Afghanistan 27 Aug 2006 'Insurgent'
attacks in southern Afghanistan killed a British soldier and wounded
seven other troops Sunday, while police killed 10 suspected 'Taliban
militants' who struck a government compound, officials said.
Rumsfeld Cautions on Missile Shield 28 Aug 2006 After his first
look inside the nerve center of the U.S. missile defense system,
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Sunday sounded a note of
caution about expectations that interceptors poised in underground
silos here would work in the event of a missile attack by North
Korea.
Powell's deputy 'leaked name of CIA agent' 28 Aug 2006 An administration
moderate was the likely source of a leak that outed a CIA spy and
caused a national security scandal which threatened to bring down
President [sic] George Bush's righthand man, it was claimed last
night. A book written by Newsweek 'journalists' David Corn and
Michael Isikoff claims the man who identified Valerie Plame as a
spy in 2003 was former deputy secretary of state under Colin Powell,
Richard Armitage, a man who enjoyed a gossip.
U.S. Officials Say Venezuela Knew Military Equipment Was in Seized
Cargo 28 Aug 2006 Venezuelan military and customs officials were
notified of the military equipment contained in diplomatic baggage
at the center of a dispute between Venezuela and the United States
before its delivery here last week, officials at the American Embassy
said Sunday.
Venezuela and the U.S. quarrel over seized cargo 27 Aug 2006
Government officials from the United States and Venezuela are
intensifying their verbal sparring after the Venezuelan customs
authorities seized diplomatic baggage from the United States that
contained military hardware last week.
Protests hit Bush's vacation spot --Group opposing Iraq war marches
near compound in Kennebunkport 27 Aug 2006 Chanting anti-war
protesters broke the lazy, late-summer quiet of this affluent coastal
resort Saturday, calling on a vacationing President [sic] Bush to
change his policy in Iraq.
JTF Lebanon Establishes Air-Land and Sea Task Forces 27 Aug 2006
Navy Vice Adm. J. "Boomer" Stufflebeem, commander of Joint Task
Force Lebanon, assigned two task force commanders to lead critical
elements of his newly formed organization as part of assuming
authority for U.S. military operations here on Aug. 23, officials
here announced today.
Israeli missile strikes the "P" of bright red "PRESS" sign on roof
of Reuters car --Wounded cameraman tells of Gaza blast 27 Aug 2006
The missile struck the "P" of the bright red "PRESS" sign on the
roof of the armour-plated Reuters car as Gaza cameraman Fadel Shana
hurried to film an Israeli raid. Shana saw only a sheet of flame
and the doors of the vehicle fly open. He regained consciousness
in hospital on Sunday, hours after the missile strike, with shrapnel
wounds in his right hand and leg. He could not hear in one ear
because of the explosion. His eyes were swollen and red...
Humbling of the supertroops shatters Israeli army morale 27 Aug
2006 "We didn't know what hit us," said one of the soldiers, who
asked to be named only as Gad. "In seconds we had two dead." With
several others wounded and retreating under heavy fire the Maglans,
one of the finest units in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), were
astonished by the firepower and perseverance of Hezbollah.
2 Kidnapped Journalists in Gaza Freed Unharmed 27 Aug 2006 Two Faux
News 'journalists' kidnapped in Gaza were released unharmed today
after being [allegedly] forced at gunpoint to say on a videotape
that they had converted to Islam.
Hicks won't face death penalty: ambassador 28 Aug 2006 Australian
terrorist suspect David Hicks will definitely not face the death
penalty if found guilty by a US military commission, new US ambassador
to Australia Robert McCallum says. But Mr McCallum said Hicks, who
has been in US custody for 4= years, could expect a long wait until
his hearing. [He already has.]
Curfew order for Jack Thomas 28 Aug 2006 Accused 'terrorist' Jack
Thomas has become the first subject in Australia of a control order
designed to limit his movements, despite having terror convictions
against him quashed.
Senator who put 'secret hold' on bill to open federal records is a
secret, too 23 Aug 2006 In an ironic twist, legislation that would
open up the murky world of government contracting to public scrutiny
has been derailed by a secret parliamentary maneuver. An unidentified
senator placed a "secret hold" on legislation introduced by Sens.
Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., that would create a
searchable database of government contracts, grants, insurance,
loans and financial assistance, worth $2.5 trillion last year.
'Democracy is under attack': Gore 27 Aug 2006 US President Al Gore
warned an audience at the Edinburgh International Television Festival
that "democracy is under attack". "In my country and others around
the world democracy is under attack," Gore said.
Activist's remark starts FBI probe 26 Aug 2006 Jim Bensman thought
his suggestion during a public hearing was harmless enough: Instead
of building a channel so migratory fish could go around a dam on
the Mississippi River, just get rid of the dam. Instead, the
environmental activist found himself in hot water, drawing FBI
scrutiny to see whether he had any terrorist intentions.
'Bin brother' fear over wheelie tag 27 Aug 2006 Half a million
household wheelie bins have been secretly tagged with hidden
electronic "bugs", it has been reported.
Klansman Reinstated As State Trooper --Court Orders Nebraska State
Patrol to Rehire Man Fired For Klan Ties 26 Aug 2006 Robert Henderson
was not fired as a state trooper because he belonged to the Ku Klux
Klan and another white supremacist group, authorities said. Instead,
he was ousted because he could not uphold public trust while
participating in such groups, they said. An arbitrator disagreed,
ordering the State Patrol to reinstate Henderson within 60 days and
pay him back wages.
Pope prepares to embrace theory of intelligent design 28 Aug 2006
Philosophers, scientists and other intellectuals close to Pope
Benedict will gather at his summer palace outside Rome this week
for intensive discussions that could herald a fundamental shift in
the Vatican's view of evolution.
Brace yourself for health-insurance changes By Katie Merx 27 Aug
2006 So you thought those $20 doctor's office co-pays and your $250
deductible threw you off budget fast? That was nothing. Get ready
for the world of consumer-directed health care, where you'll pay
$1,050 to $5,450 out of pocket before the insurance company pays
anything.
Rice contaminated by GM has been on sale for months --US has been
knowingly shipping banned food here all year. But only now do they
tell us. 27 Aug 2006 Britons have unwittingly been eating banned
GM rice imported from the United States for months, if not years,
food safety experts fear. Imports of the rice were stopped by the
European Commission (EC) on Thursday. But investigations in the US
show that it has long been "wide-spread" in grain destined to be
shipped overseas.
U.S. Rice Supply Contaminated --Genetically Altered Variety Is Found
in Long-Grain Rice 19 Aug 2006 Agriculture [Agribusiness] Secretary
Mike Johanns announced late yesterday that U.S. commercial supplies
of long-grain rice had become inadvertently [sic] contaminated with
a genetically engineered variety not approved for human consumption.
Election Nullification II: Speaker of House had Special Source for
Election "Certification" --California Assistant Secretary of State
for Elections Tells House Clerk, it's all good! By Michael Collins
28 Aug 2006 The swearing in ceremony for Republican Brian Bilbray,
alleged winner of the California 50th District special election on
June 6, 2006, was tucked in between actions to commend Canada for
its renewed commitment to the war on [of] terror. The Congressional
Digest for that day contains a remarkable revelation; the source
that the Speaker of the House used to justify the official induction
of Bilbray.
Gov. Bush declares state of emergency 27 Aug 2006 Florida Governor
Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency on Sunday because of the
possibility that Ernesto could threaten Florida.
Emergency officials order visitors to leave the Florida Keys
--Approach of hurricane prompts order 27 Aug 2006 Visitors were
ordered to leave the Florida Keys on Sunday because of the possibility
that Hurricane Ernesto could threaten the island chain, emergency
officials said.
CLGers: Please contribute for August's expenses, thank you! And,
thank you to all who have donated previously! We are a reader-supported
news service, and cannot continue without your help. Thank you.
http://www.legitgov.org/#contribute
Please forward this Newsletter to anyone you think might be interested.
Those who'd like to be added to the Newsletter list can sign up:
http://www.legitgov.org/#subscribe_clg.
Please write to: signup@legitgov.org for inquiries. lrp/mdr
CLG Newsletter editor: Lori Price, General Manager. Copyright )
2006, Citizens For Legitimate Government . All rights reserved. CLG
Founder and Chair is Michael Rectenwald, Ph.D.
*****************************************************************
2 US spy agencies pressed to fabricate justificaation for Iran war
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 23:07:31 -0500 (CDT)
X-Sender-Host-Name: chumbly.math.missouri.edu
X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/aug2006/iran-a28.shtml
World Socialist Web Site -- 28 August 2006
By Bill Van Auken
With the clock ticking to an August 31 deadline set by the United
Nations Security Council's resolution demanding that Iran abandon its
uranium enrichment program, a section of the American ruling
establishment is pressing US intelligence agencies to produce
"evidence" that Iran's nuclear ambitions pose an imminent nuclear
weapons threat.
The aim is the same as that pursued by Vice President Dick Cheney and
others in the Bush administration in the run-up to the Iraq war who
sought to manufacture phony "intelligence" that Saddam Hussein's
non-existent weapons of mass destruction justified a US invasion and
occupation of the country.
This is the political significance of the hastily written and shoddy
report issued by the House Intelligence Committee last Wednesday, a day
after Iran issued its response to the UN ultimatum, which
Washington deemed to have fallen "short" of the resolution's
conditions for avoiding sanctions.
While Russia and China--both veto-wielding members of the UN Security
Council--have indicated support for Iran's call for further
negotiations, Washington is having none of it, demanding instead that
Teheran unconditionally surrender to the UN diktat.
Iran has shown no inclination to follow such a course. Instead, on
Saturday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad staged a symbolic
inauguration of a heavy water plant near Arak, in central Iran. He
insisted that the facility was intended solely for peaceful purposes,
serving medical, scientific and agricultural needs. But Western powers
have stressed that it is possible to extract plutonium--a material
used in the production of nuclear weapons--from spent fuel produced at an
associated heavy water, research reactor that is still under
construction.
The Bush administration has vowed to make an "expedited" push for
economic sanctions unless the Iranian government fully submits before the
August 31 deadline. There is every indication that it is
deliberately pushing towards a confrontation with Teheran, making
demands that it knows will be rejected and, as in the buildup to the war
against Iraq, going through the motions at the UN in order to
ultimately proclaim that the body is incapable of dealing with the
crisis and unilateral American action is required.
According to the Washington Post, the House Committee report was
drafted principally by a Republican committee staff member named
Frederick Fleitz, who is a former CIA agent known for his hardline
views on Iran. Fleitz became a special assistant to John Bolton, who,
before being appointed US ambassador to the United Nations, was the
State Department's number-three official, responsible for arms
proliferation.
Bolton, presumably with Fleitz's assistance, played a prominent role in
demonizing the governments of the so-called "axis of evil"--Iraq, Iran
and North Korea--and sought to foment a scare campaign against Cuba by
floating demonstrably false claims about Havana running a secret
bio-weapons program.
The House Intelligence Committee report, entitled "Recognizing Iran as a
Strategic Threat," is a piece of war propaganda. It features a lurid cover
bearing a color photograph of Iranian President Ahmadinejad speaking
at a podium bearing the logo "The World without Zionism."
The thrust of the document is its contention that "the United States
lacks critical information needed for analysts to make many of their
judgments with confidence about Iran and there are many significant
information gaps."
It accuses the CIA and other US intelligence agencies of failing to
demonstrate "the ability to acquire essential information necessary to
make judgments on these essential topics, which have been recognized as
essential to US national security."
It goes on to produce its own wildly inflated charges against Iran,
many of them based on willful distortions of intelligence reports
issued by the US as well as those of the UN's International Atomic
Energy Agency. Other claims are founded on assertions, culled from
newspaper reports, by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and other
administration officials.
FALSIFYING DATA ON IRAN'S ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Its unsubstantiated claims about Iran's nuclear program contradict all
estimates by the US, the UN and the Iranian government itself. Thus, it
claims that Iran is "enriching uranium to weapons grade using a
164-machine centrifuge cascade." In reality, Iran has achieved 3.5
percent enrichment, not the 80 percent required to make a bomb. Making
enough of such material for a weapon would require 16,000 centrifuges, not
164.
This attempt to invent ominous "intelligence" is apparently meant to
counter well-established intelligence estimates that Iran is years
away from achieving nuclear weapons. These estimates undercut attempts to
use Iran's nuclear program as a pretext for launching a "preventive war"
of aggression.
The Bush administration's director of national intelligence, John
Negroponte, for example, told the BBC last June that Iran will not be "in
a position to have a nuclear weapon" until "sometime between the
beginning of the next decade and the middle of the next decade."
Similarly, last February, Negroponte told the Senate Intelligence
Committee that US intelligence believes Iran has neither a nuclear
weapon nor the fissile material needed to make one.
The House committee report goes on to make unsubstantiated claims
portraying the recent Israeli war against Lebanon as the result of an
Iranian-ordered provocation by Hezbollah, which it portrays as a mere
Iranian pawn--an assessment rejected by virtually all those with
knowledge of the region. This supposed relationship is then portrayed as
an example of Iran using "terrorist proxies" to achieve a global reach.
The document states, "The nature of Iran's relationship with Al Qaeda, if
any, is unclear, and US intelligence must enhance its insights into this
critical dynamic. Iran's relationship with its proxies give [sic] it a
global reach, which would be even more alarming should Tehran divert WMD
to these groups."
This is almost identical language to that employed by administration
officials in 2002, when unsubstantiated reports and outright lies were
used to invent an Iraqi-Al Qaeda connection. This fabrication was the
basis of a campaign to terrorize the American people with the specter of
terrorists, armed by Iraq, attacking US cities with nuclear
weapons.
The document suggests that similar "intelligence" is required about
Iran. It states, "Analysts must evaluate all contingencies and
consider out-of-the box assessments that challenge conventional
wisdom." It adds, "Iran analysts must also make greater use of open
source intelligence on Iran, the availability of which is augmented by
Iran's prolific (if persecuted) press."
For "out-of-the-box assessments" one should read fabricated
intelligence on the order of the supposed Iraqi purchase of uranium in
Niger, or Baghdad's importation of aluminum tubes for a non-existent
nuclear program.
As for the advice to rely more on "open source intelligence" and
"persecuted" Iranian press sources, the aim is to demand greater
reliance on Iranian exile groups, which are as notorious as their
Iraqi counterparts for promoting the most lurid possible tales of
weapons of mass destruction and extensive terrorist ties.
According to a report published August 24 in the New York Times citing
unnamed official sources, the criticism and pressure directed at US
intelligence agencies by the House committee report "reflect the views of
some officials inside the White House and the Pentagon who
advocated going to war with Iraq and now are pressing for confronting
Iran directly over its nuclear program and ties to terrorism...."
The newspaper quoted one "senior United States official" faulting US
intelligence agencies for failing to "make judgment calls." He added,
"We're not in a court of law. When they say there is `no evidence,' you
have to ask them what they mean, what is the meaning of the term
`evidence.' "
The definition of the term should be abundantly clear in the wake of the
Iraq invasion, in which UN weapons inspectors and US analysts insisted
there was no evidence to substantiate Washington's claims about Iraqi
"weapons of mass destruction." In an attempt to counter these
assessments, officials in the White House and the Pentagon browbeat
CIA analysts into accepting the sensationalist accounts of exile groups
as good coin, and went outside established channels to fabricate their
own "intelligence."
The most glaring example of this attempt to inflate the supposed
threat from Iran came from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The
prominent Republican told the New York Times: "When the intelligence
community says Iran is 5 to 10 years away from a nuclear weapon, I
ask: `If North Korea were to ship them a nuke tomorrow, how close
would they be then?' "
THE TWISTED LOGIC OF MILITARISM
Of course, the same twisted logic can be used to justify military
action against Cuba, Venezuela, Syria or any nation that is deemed an
impediment to the strategic interests of US imperialism.
The element of irrationality that pervades this debate is striking, and
the push for punishing sanctions and even military action against
Iran--given the present state of the US occupation in Iraq and the
popular repudiation of US militarism throughout the world--appears to
border on the insane.
Washington's demand for the speedy approval of severe sanctions
against Teheran will be met with popular contempt and hatred
throughout the Arab and Muslim world, and beyond. The world watched in
disgust as for six weeks Washington used all of its power to block any
such sanctions against Israel and veto all international efforts to
halt Israel's wanton destruction of Lebanon and slaughter of innocent
civilians.
It is widely predicted that a war against Iran could ignite a massive
rebellion by the Shia population in Iraq against the already
beleaguered US occupation forces, as well as upheavals throughout the
Middle East and a possible cut-off of much of the world's oil
supplies, triggering a global economic crisis.
Yet the threat of war is unmistakable and explicit and is driven by the
logic of the imperialist project initiated with the invasion of Iraq
three-and-a-half years ago. The attempt to turn Iraq into a US
protectorate, thereby securing US domination over its vast oil
resources, has produced a debacle and, by most estimates, served to
strengthen the position of Iran, both within Iraq and throughout the
region. The solution, according to prominent elements within American
ruling circles, is to prepare a new war aimed at "regime change" in
Iran.
Once again, there is little vocal opposition to such a war within the
political establishment, with prominent Democrats having criticized the
Bush administration from the right for failing to take a tough enough
stand against Teheran.
In its August 24 editorial, the Washington Post took China and Russia to
task for signaling support for Iran's call for negotiations rather than
Washington's demand for immediate sanctions. The editorial concluded
with a clear threat that failure to support Washington's moves against
Iran could only hasten US military action.
"But if Russia and China want to be accepted as forces for global
stability that they claim to be," the Post warned, "they should not
undercut Western efforts to defuse the Iran crisis by peaceful means. No
responsible power has anything to gain from further tension in the Middle
East, still less an eventual war over Iran's nuclear ambitions."
In other words, if you do not support Washington's attempts to use the UN
as a cover for its buildup against Iran, you are responsible for the US
launching another unilateral war of aggression.
Right-wing layers that have dominated the Republican Party and played the
leading role in orchestrating Washington's unprovoked war against Iraq
are even more explicit. They have grown increasingly bitter in their
criticism of the Bush administration's policy toward Iran, and
particularly the role played by the State Department and Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice. This has reached a hysterical pitch in the
wake of the military setback and political defeat suffered by the US and
Israel in Lebanon, with prominent right-wing columnists talking of
"appeasement" and comparing the administration's role to that of
Neville Chamberlain's 1938 dealings with Hitler in Munich.
Among the most chilling examples--but by no means out of the
mainstream of the Republican right--was a piece written last week by
Townhall.com columnist Walter Williams.
"Think about it," wrote Williams. "Currently, the US has an arsenal of 18
Ohio class submarines. Just one submarine is loaded with 24 Trident
nuclear missiles. Each Trident missile has eight nuclear warheads
capable of being independently targeted. That means the US alone has the
capacity to wipe out Iran, Syria or any other state that supports
terrorist groups or engages in terrorism--without risking the life of a
single soldier."
Williams goes on to lament that Washington's concern for "worldwide
public opinion" and "weak will" is blocking the unleashing of a
nuclear holocaust against these countries. "Any attempt to annihilate our
Middle East enemies would create all sorts of handwringing about the
innocent lives lost, so-called collateral damage."
That such words can be written and published by political elements
politically close to the current administration in Washington is a
measure of the deep crisis of US imperialism and the profound dangers it
poses. At least for some of these layers, victory in the "global war on
terrorism" has come to mean annihilating tens of millions of people.
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3 IPS-English IRAN NUKE PROGRAMME: Israel may take unilateral
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 16:11:12 -0700
X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61]
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IRAN NUKE PROGRAMME: Israel may take unilateral military action, says UAE paper
Att.Editors: The following item is from the Emirates News Agency (WAM)
SHARJAH, Aug. 26 (WAM) - A leading United Arab Emirates (UAE) English
language daily said on Saturday that Israel might single handedly take
military action against Iran so long as the U.S. remains stuck in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
"The strong assumption is Israel might not wait for the U.S. to make up its
mind and take unilateral military action against Iran, as the 'Jerusalem
Post' said in its aptly titled report, 'Israel may "go it alone" against
Iran'," suggested 'The Gulf Today' in a commentary on the Iranian response
to the Western offer of incentives.
The Sharjah-based daily believes that the prospect of Israeli action
against Iran becomes all the more real in light of the obvious
consequences of a nuclear Iran even if Israel was not bombed. A nuclear
Iran, the paper added, would restrict Israeli options while dealing with
the Palestinian resistance in the occupied territories or Hezbollah in
Lebanon.
The Israeli leadership is said to believe that Israel "could not abide"
by a nuclear Iran and might have to act to disrupt Teheran's nuclear
programme if the international community did not act.
The U.S. is now rallying its allies to come up with a united position
and impose sweeping UN sanctions against Iran, because it "does not seem
to be ready for military action now", and that the UN move would offer the
perfect justification and cover for it whenever Washington thinks the time
is ripe to strike at Iran, said the paper. (WAM)
(WAM)
*****************************************************************
4 IRNA: Indonesia calls for cooperating with Iran in uranium enrichment
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 28, IRNA
Indonesia-Uranium-Cooperation
Indonesia's Parliament Speaker Agung Laksono said on Monday that
his country is willing to cooperate with Iran in uranium
enrichment.
According to a report released by the Indonesia's Antara News
Agency, he said that the two countries can jointly work on
uranium enrichment project for peaceful purposes.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with an Iranian delegation
headed by Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, he said, "We can cooperate with Iran as
long as the enrichment project has peaceful purposes."
The report added that according to Laksono, the Indonesian
government should support Iran against the West's pressure
exerted on it over its nuclear issue.
"I told the representative of the Iranian delegation that
Indonesia will support Iran, given the peaceful nature of its
enrichment process.
"During my tour of Iran's nuclear installations, it was proved
to me that the relevant activities are peaceful and mainly aim
to produce nuclear energy to be used in agricultural and medical
sectors," he added.
Boroujerdi arrived in Jakarta Saturday night to discuss the
latest developments in Iran's nuclear case with Indonesian
officials.
He exchanged views with Indonesian officials on Iran's nuclear
activities and Tehran's response to the package of incentives
offered by Group 5+1.
*****************************************************************
5 Guardian Unlimited: Iran Not Concerned About U.N. Deadline
From the Associated Press
[UP]
Monday August 28, 2006 9:31 AM
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)- Iran said Monday it is not concerned about
this week's U.N. deadline demanding it suspend a key part of its
disputed nuclear program or face political and economic
sanctions.
The U.N. Security Council has given Iran until Thursday to
suspend a key part of its nuclear program - the enrichment of
uranium, a process that can produce either fuel for a reactor or
material for a warhead.
But Iran has refused any immediate suspension, calling the
deadline as illegal.
``Moving in the international framework is not a matter of
concern for us,'' said government spokesman Gholam Hossein
Elham.
Iran last week responded to Western incentives package aimed at
getting Tehran to roll back its nuclear program. Iranian
officials said the Islamic country did not agree to halt
enrichment - the key demand - before engaging in further talks.
Other details have not been released.
Iran says its nuclear program is intended solely to generate
electricity, while the United States and Europe contend it
secretly aims to develop weapons.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
*****************************************************************
6 Guardian Unlimited: U.S. to Press for Sanctions Against Iran
From the Associated Press
[UP]
Monday August 28, 2006 11:31 PM
By BARRY SCHWEID
AP Diplomatic Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration on Monday reaffirmed
its intent to pursue U.N. sanctions against Iran if it defies an
approaching deadline to halt its uranium enrichment.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said it is the will of
the international community ``to go down the pathway of
sanctions'' if Iran does not comply with U.N. demands that it
stop the program and open its facilities to international
inspection.
Not only is Iran enriching uranium, a key step in making nuclear
weapons, it is building heavy water facilities that could be
used to produce plutonium for weapons, McCormack said.
Iran said Monday it was not concerned with the U.N. deadline.
``Moving in the international framework is not a matter of
concern for us,'' government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham said
in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Iran consistently has denied it has a nuclear weapons program,
saying its nuclear programs are of a civilian nature.
Iran offered last week to pursue negotiations but declined to
suspend uranium enrichment as a precondition. The State
Department described the proposal as serious, but said it fell
short of what Iran must do, and said it would consult with other
governments on next steps.
Russia, whose support in the U.N. Security Council for sanctions
is essential, publicly counseled patience with Iran. This could
signal reluctance to go along with the U.S.
McCormack said the United States would not only pursue U.N.
sanctions if Iran did not stop uranium enrichment, it would hold
talks with other governments about applying financial pressure
on Iran.
He accused Iran of taking a position of defiance and said it was
disappointing.
Separately, Stuart Levey, the Treasury Department's
undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, called
Iran a ``central banker of terror.''
``Iran is like the elephant in the room, if you will,'' he told
The Associated Press in an interview. ``They are the central
banker of terror. It is a country that has terrorism as a line
item in its budget.''
At the same time, McCormack said a decision had been made to
grant former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami a visa to speak
next month at Washington National Cathedral.
McCormack said there were no plans for U.S. officials to meet
with Khatami.
He would be the most senior Iranian official to visit Washington
since Islamic fundamentalists seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran
in 1979 and held Americans hostage for 44 days.
The Rev. Canon John L. Peterson, director of the cathedral's
Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation, said Khatami was
invited to speak on the role the three Abrahamic faiths - Islam,
Christianity and Judaism - can play in shaping peace.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights group, urged
President Bush to not allow a visa to Khatami.
Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean of the center, wrote Bush that
permitting the Iranian to enter the United States only rewards
Iran's leaders for their ``policy of confrontation and hatred
toward the United States and her allies.''
Hier, in the letter, said the former president had called Israel
``a parasite in the heart of the Muslim world.''
Khatami also is due to participate at a U.N. conference Sept.
5-6.
---
AP Economics Writer Jeannine Aversa contributed to this report.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
*****************************************************************
7 IRNA: No one can deprive Iran from N-rights - president
Tehran, Aug 28, IRNA
Iran-President-Nuclear
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday that no one can ever
deprive the Iranian nation from its absolute right to access
peaceful nuclear technology.
Addressing a ceremony to award plaques of honor to 14 national
nuclear scientists at Vahdat Hall, downtown Tehran, the
president said Iranians were seeking to serve humanity through
their knowledge and technology.
"Pursuing science and technology is not only considered by
Iranians as their absolute right but it is also their
(religious) duty. It is a right bestowed to all mankind by God,"
Ahmadinejad stressed.
Noting that those powers who used nuclear weapons in the past
were now in need of a change, the president suggested, "Those
who have deviated from the (right) path, have to stop producing
nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction."
Stressing that the Iranian nation will strongly resist any
aggression, President Ahmadinejad said "Our nation will never
tolerate any imposition."
*****************************************************************
8 New York Times: An Ex-Official Offers Glimpse of Iranian Views of U.S. -
By MICHAEL SLACKMAN
Published: August 28, 2006
TEHRAN, Aug. 27 — A former high-ranking Iranian official wants
Americans to see his cracked thumbnails. They were torn out, he
said, after Washington’s friend, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, put
him in prison in the 1970’s.
Hasan Sarbakhshian/Associated Press
Ali Muhammad Besharati, leaning back, a former interior minister
and deputy foreign minister, with Intelligence Minister Ali
Younesi last year.
Israel, After the Cease-Fire
His point is instantly clear: look at what happened when we had
close ties to the United States.
“I was a medical student,” said the man, Ali Muhammad Besharati,
a former interior minister and deputy foreign minister. “But
they put me in prison because I opposed American dominance in
Iran.”
In the continuing conflict over Iran’s nuclear program, there
are disputes over enrichment of uranium, discussions of heavy
water reactors, and accusations over the government’s
intentions. But to listen to Dr. Besharati is to hear the fight
described as Tehran’s frontline effort to block American
influence in the region and to never again allow Washington to
have an upper hand in Iran.
That attitude is obvious among Iran’s current leaders, who see
this not just as a battle over nuclear weapons but a fight for
survival against a far more powerful enemy that has lumped them
into an “axis of evil” and allocated millions of dollars to oust
the government, political analysts and Western diplomats here
said.
Dr. Besharati, too, echoed the idea that giving in on the
nuclear front would not solve Iran’s problems with Washington,
only aggravate them.
“I would like you to write this down,” he said, speaking through
an interpreter. “If we backed down on the nuclear issue, the
U.S. would have found fault with our medical doctors researching
stem cells.”
He smiled, sat back and let his point settle. “What they would
like to see us do is plant corn, make tomato paste and bottle
mineral water,” he added. “They do not want to see us get
high-tech.”
His comments, during a 90-minute interview in his office, seem
to reflect both a calculated political posture and a sincere
hostility, and fear, toward Washington.
Dr. Besharati, 57, works from an office in the Strategic Studies
Center, a tower in the leafy northern section of Tehran that
serves as an influential research organization for many of
Iran’s policy makers. He is not a member of the inner circle of
power now, though he has a personal relationship with Iran’s
supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and as interior minister
he appointed the current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as a
governor.
But his thinking reflects the spirit of a leadership that has
given no indication that it is willing to halt enrichment or
slow its nuclear march. In the imprecise language of Iran’s
political divisions, Mr. Besharati would be considered a
moderate-conservative.
Asked whether Iran is afraid that greater economic, political
and social integration with the West might dilute the country’s
Islamic identity, he turned the question around. “Can the West
be more flexible and accept us as we are?” he asked.
He was born in Jahrem, near Shiraz, and as a young man was an
Islamic political advocate. The shah imprisoned him for five
years, and it was the feared Savak secret police that tore out
his fingernails, he said.
After the revolution, he won important positions in government.
He served in Parliament, for a decade as the No. 2 official in
the Foreign Ministry, and as interior minister from 1993 to
1997. He was in charge of the election process the years that
Mohammad Khatami, the change-minded cleric, surprised the
conservative leadership and won a landslide victory as president.
In many ways he is the model of an Iranian official, both in his
bearing and in his stated positions. He wears sharp
Western-style suits and a scruffy beard.
He travels with an armed guard and speaks the language of what
might be called peaceful defiance: blaming the White House for
American-Iranian problems while insisting Tehran wants nothing
more than to live in peaceful harmony with the world. He does
not answer when asked why for nearly two decades Iran kept its
nuclear program a secret, in violation of the Nuclear
Nonproliferation Treaty.
“Let me tell you a story,” he said, adjusting the ring on his
right hand. “In one of the story books, Iranians have a fairy
tale. A hawk is talking to a chicken in the farmyard. The hawk
says to the chicken, ‘You are not very loyal. They feed you, but
when they want to catch you, you run away.’ ”
He paused for effect. “The chicken said, ‘If you saw what was
going on in the kitchen and the frying pan, you would not just
hop from branch to branch, but fly away.’ ”
He smiled, rose from his chair and pulled three hardcover books
off a shelf. He said they were memoirs of relatives of the
former shah. “The shah of Iran never drank water without the
permission of America,” he said he read in one of the books.
He opened one book, whose text was marked up, with important
passages circled. “What was the result of all our confidence in
the U.S.?” he asked forcefully. “Our agriculture was demolished.
Our educational system was destroyed.”
True or not, balanced or biased, he was rolling, passionate and
animated as he stated his understanding of Iran’s history and
its relationship with the United States. He grabbed another book
and said, paraphrasing, “All the interrogators in the secret
police were trained in the United States and Israel.” Pause.
“Five of my fingernails were peeled out in interrogation.”
Dr. Besharati recounted every modern American offense against
Iran, from the shooting down of the Iranian airliner that killed
more than 200 civilians, to officials of the Reagan
administration calling for pulling the theocracy out by the
roots. All this, he seemed to be saying, was why Iran would not
give in to America’s demands on something as consequential as
the nuclear program.
“Although our economic system may not be strong,” he said, “our
minds and our memories are.”
Iranian Tests Sub-Fired Missile
TEHRAN, Aug. 27 (AP) — Iran test-fired a new
submarine-to-surface missile during war games in the Persian
Gulf on Sunday, a show of military might amid a standoff with
the West over its nuclear activities.
A brief videotape showed the long-range missile, the Thaqeb, or
Saturn, leaving the water and hitting a target on the water’s
surface within less than a mile. The test was part of large
military exercises that began Aug. 19. More Articles in
*****************************************************************
9 IRNA: Elham says Bolton's anti-Iran remarks "unfounded"
, Aug 28, IRNA
Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said here Monday that
remarks made by the US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton against
Iran were unfounded and based on bullying.
Elham made the remark while addressing reporters at his weekly
press conference as he was commenting on Bolton's remark who
said on Sunday that if the UN Security Council adopts no measure
against Iran, the United States will not wait and will act
directly.
Bolton stressed that Washington needs no Security Council's
permission.
Elham said remark by the US ambassador was a clear insult to
the UN and its Security Council.
"Such remarks are in in fact a violation of all international
norms, based on which global peace should be established. The
remarks show that such officials are not competent to be members
of the UN and the Security Council.
"The UN should make a revision to preserve its prestige and
prove it is not at the service of the United States. In that
case, a new great development will take place," he said.
Elham added that the US, itself, has problems in safeguarding
its own security, saying it has been entangled in quagmire of
Iraq.
"If the US officials intend to trigger massacre, war and
insecurity for their own people and the world, it will be up to
the US nation to resist them.
"Nature of the US leaders is based on violence and threat," he
said.
*****************************************************************
10 Reuters: France urges Iran, Syria to work with the world
Mon 28 Aug 2006 5:15 AM ET
PARIS, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Iran and Syria should not isolate
themselves from the international community but instead work
towards building a lasting peace in the Middle East, French
President Jacques Chirac said on Monday. In a speech to French
ambassadors, Chirac called Iran "a great country" and urged it to
negotiate with world powers over its nuclear ambitions.
"Iran will not find security in the development of hidden
(nuclear) programmes, but in its full immersion into the heart of
the international community," Chirac said.
"Once again, I urge Tehran to send the necessary signals to
create the conditions for trust. There is always room for
dialogue," he added.
Turning to Syria, Chirac said it should: "abandon its insular
mentality".
The French president used to have a good rapport with Syria's
leaders, but those ties suffered following the assassination last
year in Beirut of one of Chirac's close friends, former Lebanese
Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.
The killing was blamed on pro-Syrian agents.
"(Syria) has the calling to retake its place at the table of
nations, respecting the international legality and sovereignty of
its neighbours. The Middle East needs Syria to be working
actively for peace and stability in the region," he said.
Chirac said Iran too had a duty to work for regional peace.
"Iran is a great country. But the recognition of this role also
gives it an obligation, that of easing fears and working for
regional stability, as befits a great and responsible country,"
he said.
© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved. [ border=]
*****************************************************************
11 IRNA: MP: Iran poses no threat to any country
Tehran, Aug 28, IRNA
Iran-Israel-MP
A Majlis deputy said here Monday that Iran believes the Zionist
regime is a criminal and not the people living in the Palestinian
occupied lands.
Rapporteur of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy
Commission Kazem Jalali made the remark while speaking to IRNA.
"Such an outlook clearly shows that the Islamic Republic of
Iran is not a threat to any country," he said.
He rejected any decision made by Iran to conduct non-peaceful
nuclear activities, saying, "Even if we supposing that Iran
possesses atomic bombs, where can it use the bombs that would
not result in massacre of innocent and oppressed people?"
He added, "Iran will not even attack the Zionist regime's
centers because there are civilians living there."
"Iran has repeatedly announced it is not a threat to any
country in the international community and this is a rational
thought."
The MP from Shahroud city said, "We basically call for peace
based on justice in the international community."
He added that Iran does not intend to fight with any country,
although warmongering was the nature of certain states.
"Unfair attitude of certain governments and states will lead to
a kind of fighting," he said.
Jalali stated, "The Zionist regime does not abide by any
international treaty and refuses to implement several
resolutions of the United Nations.
"Brutal attitude of the Zionist regime towards the Palestinian
people will naturally lead to confrontation and warmongering."
"Iran, which accepts peace and security based on justice at the
international level, never calls for suffering and killing of
innocent people.
"This is why a program on non-peaceful use of nuclear energy
has no room in Iran's security doctrine," the MP said.
Jalali added that inauguration of Arak heavy water plant was an
achievement made by young and committed Iranian scientists and a
response to the nation's demand.
"Arak heavy water plant is regarded as a great and honorable
project, designed and constructed by young Iranian scientists.
"Besides access to technology for construction of light water
reactor, we have acquired science and potentials for building
heavy water reactor."
The MP said, "Today, Iran is a nuclear power in the world. The
international system cannot refuse to recognize Iran as a
nuclear power."
He stressed, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to
insist on the inalienable rights of the Iranian nation and as a
country which has peaceful nuclear technology will make further
strides.
"Continuation of pressure by certain big powers and Western
states will bring nothing for them because it has no legal and
rational base."
*****************************************************************
12 IRIB PERSIAN News: Justice,only solution to IRI N-issue
2006/08/26
An Egyptian newspaper on Saturday said that only justice will
solve the dispute over Iran's nuclear case.
Al-Ahram (The Pyramids) daily said that the doudle standards
policy adopted by certain countries towards Iran's nuclear case
was unacceptable, arguing that in all fairness no country in the
world should be prevented from pursuing scientific and
technological progress.
It said that the practice of certain countries of putting Iran
under severe pressure to suspend its nuclear activities while
they allow the Zionist regime to build up its nuclear arsenal
without putting it under international surveillance was a case
of double standards which, it said, was unacceptable.
The daily further argued that such a practice would encourage
cerain countries to go ahead with their covert nuclear programs.
It poointed out that nuclear technology for every country is a
gateway to scientific and technological progress in various
fields, including in economy and energy.
It nonetheless stressed the importance of preventing countries
from proliferating nuclear weapons in order to prevent global
catastrophies.
Al-Ahram said there was a need to stop the nuclear weapons race
and to start disarmament of nuclear states.
M.H.Z
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved By Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting News Network Sponsored By IRIB News Computer Center.
E-Mail: Info@IRIBNEWS.ir
*****************************************************************
13 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: Nuclear weapons, not source of power
2006/08/28
Authority does not emanate from nuclear weapons, bullying and
aggressions, said Government Spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham on
Monday.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing with reporters, he said
nations adopting a reasonable political behavior have innately
enjoyed authority.
Elham's comments came as he was responding a question whether
Iran would use certain levers to prove its authority at the
international arena.
"Iran has repeatedly announced that using nuclear weapons has no
place in its defense doctrine," stressed the spokesman.
He added that Tehran believed in adopting a policy which is
based on peace and justice.
"We believe that a justice-based peace can bring security and
peace for entire world," Elham said.
He added those who were relying on the old-fashioned methods of
using advanced weapons and nuclear arsenals "are repeating a
great historic mistake again."
"Iran is not seeking authority as it already has it. Iran is a
powerful country," Elham stressed.
SAM
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved By Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting News Network Sponsored By IRIB News Computer Center.
E-Mail: Info@IRIBNEWS.ir
*****************************************************************
14 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: IRI ready to talk with 5+1 Group FMs
2006/08/28
Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali
Larijani Sunday said that Iran is prepared to hold talks with
the foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the UN
Security Council plus Germany (5+1 Group) at any time and any
place.
He told IRNA that such negotiations can cover all the ongoing
developments including the country's nuclear issue.
Larijani urged that talks with member states of the 5+1 Group
including France, America, Britain, China, Russia and Germany
should be held in a fair and constructive atmosphere.
Once Iran's response to the group's proposal was submitted on
August 22, it was declared to the representatives of the six
countries that Iran is prepared to start negotiations on the
issue the following day.
"Later on, during our contacts with various officials from the
group, we officially repeated readiness for starting serious
talks on the matter," he added.
SAM
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved By Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting News Network Sponsored By IRIB News Computer Center.
E-Mail: Info@IRIBNEWS.ir
*****************************************************************
15 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: IRI poses no threat to any country
2006/08/28
A Majlis deputy said Monday that Iran believes the Zionist
regime is a criminal and not the people living in the
Palestinian occupied lands.
Rapporteur of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy
Commission Kazem Jalali made the remark while speaking to IRNA.
"Such an outlook clearly shows that the Islamic Republic of
Iran is not a threat to any country," he said.
He rejected any decision made by Iran to conduct non-peaceful
nuclear activities, saying, "even if we supposing that Iran
possesses atomic bombs, where can it use the bombs that would
not result in massacre of innocent and oppressed people?"
He added, "Iran will not even attack the Zionist regime's
centers because there are civilians living there."
"Iran has repeatedly announced it is not a threat to any country
in the international community and this is a rational thought,"
he said.
The MP from Shahroud city said, "we basically call for peace
based on justice in the international community." He added that
Iran does not intend to fight with any country, although
warmongering was the nature of certain states.
"Unfair attitude of certain governments and states will lead to
a kind of fighting," he said.
Jalali stated, "the Zionist regime does not abide by any
international treaty and refuses to implement several
resolutions of the United Nations. "Brutal attitude of the
Zionist regime towards the Palestinian people will naturally
lead to confrontation and war mongering."
"Iran, which accepts peace and security based on justice at the
international level, never calls for suffering and killing of
innocent people. This is why a program on non-peaceful use of
nuclear energy has no room in Iran's security doctrine," the MP
said.
Jalali added that inauguration of Arak heavy water plant was an
achievement made by young and committed Iranian scientists and a
response to the nation's demand.
"Arak heavy water plant is regarded as a great and honorable
project, designed and constructed by young Iranian scientists.
Besides access to technology for construction of light water
reactor, we have acquired science and potentials for building
heavy water reactor," he reiterated.
The MP said, "today, Iran is a nuclear power in the world. The
international system cannot refuse to recognize Iran as a
nuclear power."
He stressed, "the Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to
insist on the inalienable rights of the Iranian nation and as a
country which has peaceful nuclear technology will make further
strides.
"Continuation of pressure by certain big powers and western
states will bring nothing for them because it has no legal and
rational base," the MP added.
M.H.Z
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved By Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting News Network Sponsored By IRIB News Computer Center.
E-Mail: Info@IRIBNEWS.ir
*****************************************************************
16 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: Enriched industrial uranium coming
2006/08/28
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Chief Gholam-Reza
Aqazadeh said in Tehran on Saturday that the committed Iranian
scientists are passing through industrial-scale uranium
enrichment process.
Addressing a ceremony to award plaques of honor to 14 national
nuclear scientists at Vahdat Hall, downtown Tehran, he said
today, Iran's peaceful nuclear activities are carried out in two
parallel courses including providing nuclear fuel for light
water reactors and construction of heavy and light water nuclear
power plants.
Lauding the endeavor of young Iranian researchers in
materializing the country's peaceful nuclear programs, he said
the AEOI has been assigned to produce 20,000 mgw of nuclear
energy based on the country's needs as approved by the Islamic
Consultative Assembly.
Aqazadeh further announced that 93 percent of construction of
the 1,000-mgw Bushehr power plant, under construction with the
help of Russia, has been completed.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is pressing ahead with its nuclear
research activities to master small-scale industrial enrichment,
he said adding that Iran's 164-centrifuge cascade at the Natanz
facility s operating according to the schedule. By successfully
enriching uranium up to 3.5 percent in Natanz facility, Iran has
become one of the nine signatories of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) enjoying this special technology, Aqazadeh added.
SAM
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved By Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting News Network Sponsored By IRIB News Computer Center.
E-Mail: Info@IRIBNEWS.ir
*****************************************************************
17 AFP: US seeks Egyptian support on Iran nuclear issue
Mon Aug 28, 11:58 AM ET
CAIRO (AFP) - Washington's top nuclear negotiator held talks in
Cairo as part of US efforts to harmonise positions on the
response to give to Iran" /> Iran's fast-advancing nuclear
program.
"Working with Egypt is critical to our success," said Gregory
Schulte, the chief US representative at the International Atomic
Energy Agency" /> International Atomic Energy Agency, after a
meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.
"Both of our countries share serious concerns about Iran's
nuclear ambitions," Schulte told reporters as the clock ticked
down to a crunch UN deadline for Tehran to suspend its sensitive
atomic work.
World powers have demanded Tehran freeze its uranium enrichment
and reprocessing activities but Tehran has refused and the
United Nations" /> United Nationswas expected to use an August
31 meeting to decide on sanctions.
"If it's apparent that Iran is not serious about negotiating, if
it becomes apparent that they're not serious about suspending
their uranium enrichment capabilities then the Security Council
will have to act to understake sanctions," Schulte said.
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Mohammad Reza Baqiri, was also
in Cairo Monday for talks with Arab League Secretary General Amr
Mussa.
Baqiri had met on Sunday with Abul Gheit, who called for a
dialogue in a bid to break the deadlock over Iran's nuclear
program.
Egypt, a key broker in the Middle East, has backed US calls for
Iran to halt its nuclear program but has insisted all diplomatic
channels should be explored to solve the crisis.
"We should handle the Iranian nuclear issue with the utmost care
over the coming period," Abul Gheit told reporters after meeting
the US official.
"The people in the region are not ready to experience more wars
and armed conflicts. Therefore, we should deploy maximum efforts
to solve this crisis pecaefully," he added.
He also reiterated Egypt's position that the international
community should treat Israel" /> Israelon a par with Iran and
address the issue of the Jewish state's alleged nuclear weapons.
"We share the vision of president (Hosni) Mubarak of a Middle
East that's free of weapons of mass destruction, where you don't
have nuclear weapons," Schulte replied.
"The greatest threat to that vision right now is the pursuit by
the Iranian leadership of nuclear weapons and also the
opposition that they've shown to the peace process" in the
region, he added.
The United States accuses Iran of using its nuclear programme as
cover for a weapons drive, a charge vehemently denied by Tehran
which maintains it is solely to provide civilian energy.
Uranium enrichment "is not necessary for a civil nuclear
programme and it is, we believe, part of a military programme.
We're worried that they're working to master the technology to
build nuclear weapons," Schulte explained.
Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. The
*****************************************************************
18 AFP: Iran rejects US warning as nuclear deadline nears
by Hiedeh Farmani Mon Aug 28, 1:45 PM ET
TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran" /> has angrily rejected a US threat to
impose sanctions over its contested nuclear programme outside the
United Nations" /> as the clock ticked down to a crunch UN
deadline for Tehran to suspend sensitive atomic work.
With arch-enemy Israel" /> warning that Iran's uranium
enrichment must be stopped for the sake of "world peace", a
Thursday deadline neared for Iran to suspend the controversial
nuclear activity or face possible sanctions.
US ambassador to the UN John Bolton has said that while
Washington was confident of securing a UN consensus over Iran,
it was prepared to act unilaterally if a resolution against
Tehran was vetoed by Beijing and Moscow.
"Such statements are a blatant insult to the United Nations and
the Security Council. They stem from bullying and a lack of
principles," government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham told
reporters on Monday.
Bolton told the Los Angeles Times newspaper late last week that
"everybody's been on board" on the Security Council over Iran
but in case Russia and China did not accept any resolution, the
United States was working on a parallel diplomatic track.
"You don't need Security Council authority to impose sanctions,
just as we have," Bolton said, referring to the raft of economic
sanctions the United States imposed on Tehran in the wake of the
1979 Islamic revolution.
Elham scoffed that the comments showed "such people do not
deserve to be a member to this council and the organization
should reconsider to save its reputation and show it is not an
instrument in their hands.
"The ones who sacrifice international law for their greed,
dominance and unilateralism better be worried," he said.
The UN Security Council has given Iran an August 31 deadline to
suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and
an impasse looms with Iran insisting it has no intention of
abandoning such work.
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency" /> (IAEA)
is to issue a report on that date after verifying whether Tehran
has complied with the deadline.
But Iran has also made clear it remains keen to hold talks with
all the key players over its nuclear ambitions, including even
its foe the United States.
"Iran is ready to hold discussions with the foreign ministers of
the five permanent Security Council members and Germany,
wherever and whenever," chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani
said late Sunday.
The United States accuses Iran of using its nuclear programme as
cover for a weapons drive, a charge vehemently denied by Tehran
which maintains it is solely to provide civilian energy.
The LA Times quoted Bolton as saying the United States planned
to put forward a draft resolution imposing penalties such as a
travel ban and asset freeze for key Iranian leaders soon after
the deadline.
Israel meanwhile kept up its pressure on the international
community to act against Iran with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni
urging the world to stop the "threat" it posed.
"The world must understand that it must act so that uranium
enrichment is stopped in Iran. This is crucial for world peace,"
she said after talks in Berlin with her German counterpart
Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Iran is to hold a two day international conference on the
Holocaust starting December 11 that will allow historians to
present "hidden aspects" of the slaughter of Jews under Nazi
Germany, newspapers reported on Monday.
Meanwhile, French President Jacques Chirac" /> urged Tehran to
build the "conditions for trust" in the stand-off with Western
powers over its nuclear programme.
"I exhort Tehran once more to take the necessary steps in order
to create the conditions for trust. There is always room for
dialogue," Chirac told an annual gathering of French ambassadors
in Paris.
"Iran will not find security by developing clandestine
programmes, but by becoming fully part of the international
community."
Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. The
*****************************************************************
19 AFP: US renews threat of unilateral sanctions against Iran
Mon Aug 28, 2:42 PM ET
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Three days before a UN Security Council
deadline for Iran" /> to halt uranium enrichment or face possible
sanctions, the United States again raised the prospect of
unilateral sanctions against Tehran.
"The question of what to do about Iran is certainly not
confined to the Security Council," US Ambassador to the United
Nations" /> John Bolton told reporters here, echoing views he
already expressed in an interview last week.
"You can envision sanctions being imposed outside of the
Security Council as the United States has unilaterally imposed
sanctions on Iraq" /> pursuing to its own statutes ... Other
governments can do the same," he said after attending a
closed-door meeting on the Darfur crisis.
Late last week, he told the Los Angeles Times newspaper that
"everybody's been on board" on the Security Council over Iran
but in case Russia and China did not accept any resolution, the
United States was working on a parallel diplomatic track.
Friday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said talk of
introducing sanctions against Iran after its rejection of a
demand by world powers to freeze uranium enrichment and
reprocessing activities was as yet "premature".
"It is at least premature and unsound to speak of sanctions" as
of now, Ivanov was quoted as saying by the ITAR-TASS news
agency.
"In any case, Russia will continue to urge a political and
diplomatic resolution (of the Iran nuclear problem), with the
non-proliferation regime observed fully and harshly," Ivanov
said.
The Security Council has given Iran an August 31 deadline to
suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities, and
an impasse looms with Iran insisting it has no intention of
abandoning such work.
But Tehran has also made clear it remains keen to hold talks
with all the key players over its nuclear ambitions, including
even its foe the United States.
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency" /> (IAEA)
is to issue a report on that date after verifying whether Tehran
has complied with the deadline.
Western countries suspect Iran is seeking to acquire a covert
nuclear weapons capability under the guise of a civilian atomic
program which Tehran says is aimed only at generating
electricity.
Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. The
*****************************************************************
20 IRNA: Larijani: Iran ready for talks with 5+1 group's FMs
Tehran, Aug 27, IRNA
Iran-Larijani-Nuclear
Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali
Larijani here Sunday said that Iran is prepared to hold talks
with the foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the
UN Security Council plus Germany (5+1 group) at any time and any
place.
He told IRNA that such negotiations can cover all the ongoing
developments including the country's nuclear issue.
Larijani urged that talks with member states of the 5+1 group
including France, US, Britain, China, Russia and Germany should
be held in a fair and constructive atmosphere.
Once Iran's response to the group's package of incentives was
submitted on August 22, it was declared to the representatives
of the six countries that Iran is prepared to start negotiations
on the issue the following day.
"Later on, during our contacts with various officials from the
group, we officially repeated readiness for starting serious
talks on the matter," he added.
2326/2322/1412
*****************************************************************
21 AFP: Israel calls on world to oppose Iranian 'threat'
Mon Aug 28, 6:17 AM ET
BERLIN (AFP) - Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has urged the
international community to stop the "threat" posed by Iran" />
Iran, which she accused of trying to "buy time" to build a
nuclear weapon.
"The world must understand that it must act so that uranium
enrichment is stopped in Iran. This is crucial for world peace,"
she said after talks in Berlin with her German counterpart
Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
"The international community cannot accept the threat" posed by
Iran's response to an international incentives package to stop
sensitive nuclear work, she added, calling it an attempt to buy
time until Tehran can develop a nuclear arsenal.
Israel" /> Israelis widely believed to be the only country in
the Middle East to have nuclear weapons, with at least 200
warheads, although it has never confirmed or denied it holds
such an arsenal.
Livni, who is also to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin,
will fly to Copenhagen Tuesday for talks with Danish Prime
Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Per Stig
Moeller.
Israel said Saturday it was not convinced by assurances from
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Tehran's nuclear
programme was no threat to the Jewish state.
"Israel is not fooled by such declarations, the sole aim of
which are to avoid sanctions being imposed on Iran" by the UN
Security Council, government spokesman Avi Pazner told AFP.
Ahmadinejad "has often stated his true intentions concerning
Israel", he said, a reference to repeated calls by the Iranian
president for the country's destruction.
The Iranian president said Saturday that Tehran is "no threat to
any nation, even the Zionist regime", speaking in Khondab, in
central Iran, after opening a heavy water production plant just
five days before a UN deadline to suspend sensitive nuclear fuel
cycle work.
The plant at Arak will supply heavy water to be used as cooling
fluid for a 40 MW research reactor due for completion by 2009.
The International Atomic Energy Agency" /> International Atomic
Energy Agencyhas voiced concern over the risk of diversion of
nuclear materials, as the research reactor could produce 8-10
kilograms (about 20 pounds) of plutonium a year -- enough to
make at least two nuclear bombs.
Iran is under pressure from the international community to
suspend its program of uranium enrichment, and the UN Security
Council has given Tehran until August 31 to comply or face the
threat of sanctions.
Western countries, led by the United States, believe Iran wants
to build nuclear weapons, but the Islamic republic insists it
only wants to develop civilian nuclear power and has the right
to master the required technology.
Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. The
*****************************************************************
22 Dar Al Hayat: Uranium Enrichment and Possible Sanctions on Iran
english.daralhayat.com | 03:59 GMT - 29/08/2006
Walid Khadduri Al-Hayat - 28/08/06//
This week, the permanent members of the UN Security Council and
Germany will discuss the Iranian file regarding Tehran's
continuation of uranium enrichment. The initial reactions of
Washington, Paris and Berlin were that the Iranian response to
the world powers' offer was unsatisfactory.
While US envoy to the UN John Bolton spoke of possible economic
sanctions against Iran, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Ivanov indicated that it was too early to speak of sanctions,
saying it was more practical to reach a political settlement.
For his part, Iran's Foreign Minister warned of an increase in
the price of oil to 200 dollars per barrel in the event of an
oil blockade on his country. Oil sanctions by the UN Security
Council are highly unlikely at present or in the foreseeable
future, considering that the series of negotiations is long and
could extend until next summer. The international markets were
receptive to this message, which was reflected in the stable
prices of oil in the past week.
Unlike the unilateral approach adopted by the US and its ally
Britain in dealing with the Iraqi file in 2003, the US is
adopting a multilateral approach and is attempting to reach a
unified international stance at the UN Security Council with
Iran's nuclear file.
At the same time, the interests of the industrial countries
prevent the involvement of oil in the agenda of the ongoing
conflict, at least for the time being. This is because despite
the Western industrial nations' strategic reserves of over three
billion barrels, in addition to a surplus in the production
capacity of OPEC members that can offset the Iranian exports of
2.5 million bpd; an oil blockade would disrupt markets,
resulting in higher oil prices - unlikely to reach the 200
dollars per barrel stated by the Iranian minister - but higher
than the current price of 70 dollars per barrel.
So what is to be expected in the event of the UN Security
Council deciding on economic sanctions now or in the coming
months? One possibility is a ban on dual-use materials that can
be used to enrich uranium. There is also the possibility of a
travel ban on senior Iranian officials and freezing their
accounts abroad.
What about Oil and Gas?
Upgrade works at the Southern Pars, an extension of the Qatari
North Gas field, could be seen as an early target for sanctions.
Considering the European and Asian companies' current interests
in the vast offshore field, sanctions may only affect new
agreements, which could delay new natural gas projects that are
essential to Iran's oil activities to add natural gas to old oil
reservoirs to increase production. In addition, Iran, which has
the world's second largest natural gas reserves, is looking
forward to becoming an exporter of liquefied natural gas.
There is also the possibility of slapping sanctions on Iran's
imports of petroleum derivatives, particularly gasoline. Iran,
like many oil exporting countries, subsidizes prices for oil
derivatives locally, leading to higher consumption levels than
its refineries' capacity. As a result, Iran, consuming 420,000
barrels of gasoline per day, has to import nearly 200,000 bpd,
or 48% of its total domestic consumption, to counterbalance the
shortage.
Will the UN Security Council be able to stop these shipments?
That is highly unlikely. Previous experience demonstrated that
considerable quantities could be smuggled by air or sea, let
alone rationalized, which is not difficult to achieve in Iran.
Are there any other oil sanctions that the UN Security Council
could enforce on Iran? There is always the possibility of
preventing the development of new oil fields, but it is highly
unlikely that the Security Council would take such a step, since
past experience showed that delaying the development of oil
fields reduces the production capacity of OPEC member States and
further increases oil prices.
These sanctions conflict with the interests of major powers with
companies negotiating substantial contracts and hampering
unanimous agreement over decisions. In Iran's case, negotiations
are underway with Japan's Enpaks over the Azadighan field, and
China's Sinopik over the Yadravan field, both expected to
produce 600,000 bpd over the next decade.
Then, where is the danger on Iran's oil industry if the Security
Council cannot enforce an oil sanction, as in Iraq's case? The
danger lies in the international oil companies' refusal to
invest in Iran at a time when it is losing nearly 300,000 bpd of
its production capacity to over-exploited fields with
challenging reservoir structures. It is worth remembering that
Iran's production capacity at the end of the Shah reign reached
nearly 6 million bpd, compared to the current 4 million bpd. Two
million bpd were lost and could not be compensated, indicating
the inability of the oil authorities in Iran for more than a
quarter of a century to boost production capacity to its past
levels. The reasons behind this failure are the long period of
neglecting maintenance during the Iraq-Iran war, as well as the
rigid laws enforced against foreign investment in the oil
sector.
This is where the major difficulty with the Iranian oil sector
lies. Despite the remote possibility of sanctions, the fear of
international companies investing in Iran in the future is
enough to curtail growth in a sector that is in dire need of
investments and technical expertise to increase or even maintain
production capacity. This was evident in the past three months'
production levels, which hovered around 3.7 million bpd; nearly
200,000 bpd lower than the same period last year.
In the event of an intensified dispute between Iran and the
Security Council in the future, however, it would be hard to
imagine the absence of oil from the scenes of the battlefield,
especially if the conflict escalated into an armed
confrontation, which is difficult to confirm at this stage, as
political means have not yet been exhausted, and will not be for
a long time to come.
*Dr Khadduri is an energy expert and Director of al-Hayat
business desk.
Walid Khadduri Al-Hayat - 28/08/06//
This week, the permanent members of the UN Security Council and
Germany will discuss the Iranian file regarding Tehran's
continuation of uranium enrichment. The initial reactions of
Washington, Paris and Berlin were that the Iranian response to
the world powers' offer was unsatisfactory.
While US envoy to the UN John Bolton spoke of possible economic
sanctions against Iran, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Ivanov indicated that it was too early to speak of sanctions,
saying it was more practical to reach a political settlement.
For his part, Iran's Foreign Minister warned of an increase in
the price of oil to 200 dollars per barrel in the event of an
oil blockade on his country. Oil sanctions by the UN Security
Council are highly unlikely at present or in the foreseeable
future, considering that the series of negotiations is long and
could extend until next summer. The international markets were
receptive to this message, which was reflected in the stable
prices of oil in the past week.
Unlike the unilateral approach adopted by the US and its ally
Britain in dealing with the Iraqi file in 2003, the US is
adopting a multilateral approach and is attempting to reach a
unified international stance at the UN Security Council with
Iran's nuclear file.
At the same time, the interests of the industrial countries
prevent the involvement of oil in the agenda of the ongoing
conflict, at least for the time being. This is because despite
the Western industrial nations' strategic reserves of over three
billion barrels, in addition to a surplus in the production
capacity of OPEC members that can offset the Iranian exports of
2.5 million bpd; an oil blockade would disrupt markets,
resulting in higher oil prices - unlikely to reach the 200
dollars per barrel stated by the Iranian minister - but higher
than the current price of 70 dollars per barrel.
So what is to be expected in the event of the UN Security
Council deciding on economic sanctions now or in the coming
months? One possibility is a ban on dual-use materials that can
be used to enrich uranium. There is also the possibility of a
travel ban on senior Iranian officials and freezing their
accounts abroad.
What about Oil and Gas?
Upgrade works at the Southern Pars, an extension of the Qatari
North Gas field, could be seen as an early target for sanctions.
Considering the European and Asian companies' current interests
in the vast offshore field, sanctions may only affect new
agreements, which could delay new natural gas projects that are
essential to Iran's oil activities to add natural gas to old oil
reservoirs to increase production. In addition, Iran, which has
the world's second largest natural gas reserves, is looking
forward to becoming an exporter of liquefied natural gas.
There is also the possibility of slapping sanctions on Iran's
imports of petroleum derivatives, particularly gasoline. Iran,
like many oil exporting countries, subsidizes prices for oil
derivatives locally, leading to higher consumption levels than
its refineries' capacity. As a result, Iran, consuming 420,000
barrels of gasoline per day, has to import nearly 200,000 bpd,
or 48% of its total domestic consumption, to counterbalance the
shortage.
Will the UN Security Council be able to stop these shipments?
That is highly unlikely. Previous experience demonstrated that
considerable quantities could be smuggled by air or sea, let
alone rationalized, which is not difficult to achieve in Iran.
Are there any other oil sanctions that the UN Security Council
could enforce on Iran? There is always the possibility of
preventing the development of new oil fields, but it is highly
unlikely that the Security Council would take such a step, since
past experience showed that delaying the development of oil
fields reduces the production capacity of OPEC member States and
further increases oil prices.
These sanctions conflict with the interests of major powers with
companies negotiating substantial contracts and hampering
unanimous agreement over decisions. In Iran's case, negotiations
are underway with Japan's Enpaks over the Azadighan field, and
China's Sinopik over the Yadravan field, both expected to
produce 600,000 bpd over the next decade.
Then, where is the danger on Iran's oil industry if the Security
Council cannot enforce an oil sanction, as in Iraq's case? The
danger lies in the international oil companies' refusal to
invest in Iran at a time when it is losing nearly 300,000 bpd of
its production capacity to over-exploited fields with
challenging reservoir structures. It is worth remembering that
Iran's production capacity at the end of the Shah reign reached
nearly 6 million bpd, compared to the current 4 million bpd. Two
million bpd were lost and could not be compensated, indicating
the inability of the oil authorities in Iran for more than a
quarter of a century to boost production capacity to its past
levels. The reasons behind this failure are the long period of
neglecting maintenance during the Iraq-Iran war, as well as the
rigid laws enforced against foreign investment in the oil
sector.
This is where the major difficulty with the Iranian oil sector
lies. Despite the remote possibility of sanctions, the fear of
international companies investing in Iran in the future is
enough to curtail growth in a sector that is in dire need of
investments and technical expertise to increase or even maintain
production capacity. This was evident in the past three months'
production levels, which hovered around 3.7 million bpd; nearly
200,000 bpd lower than the same period last year.
In the event of an intensified dispute between Iran and the
Security Council in the future, however, it would be hard to
imagine the absence of oil from the scenes of the battlefield,
especially if the conflict escalated into an armed
confrontation, which is difficult to confirm at this stage, as
political means have not yet been exhausted, and will not be for
a long time to come.
*Dr Khadduri is an energy expert and Director of al-Hayat
business desk.
© 2004 Media Communications Group
*****************************************************************
23 IRNA: Ahmadinejad: Iran not after acquiring nuclear weapons
Tehran, Aug 7, IRNA
Iran-Ahmadinejad-Nuclear
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here Sunday said that Iran's
defense program is not aimed at acquiring nuclear weapons.
"What we are trying to get at is the use of science for the
cause of welfare and advancement of the Iranian nation. We do
not have ill-intentions even for our enemies."
The President was addressing a ceremony in which 14 elites in
the field of peaceful nuclear technology were awarded plaques of
honor.
The progress of the Iranian nation is not a threat to or an
obstacle for any state but a cause of progress for other
nations, those of the region in particular, he said.
The president said the Iranian nation believes in human dignity
and will never submit to oppression.
"The Iranian nation is a peace-loving and noble nation and
defends the dignity and prestige of mankind."
President Ahmadinejad said even with respect to the Zionist
regime, "which is definitely the enemy of the entire humanity,"
the Iranian nation calls for holding true and free election to
clarify the fate of this regime.
"Owners of nuclear weapons will be the first to benefit from
abandoning these weapons," he said.
The Iranian nation is concerned about the entire humanity and
it is a shame that there are people who order massacres and
resist establishment of ceasefire.
The president said, "The Iranian nation is unanimously and
vigorously announcing that peaceful nuclear energy is its
inalienable right."
Stressing that this is the legal right of the Iranian nation,
he said, "As representative of the people, I am duty-bound to
fulfill the people's demands."
Praising the creativity and stamina of young Iranian scientists,
he said the hegemonic powers do not want the Iranian nation to
progress in any field, and in the world today someone in need
will never have dignity.
*****************************************************************
24 irna: Authority not emanating from nuclear weapons, aggression - Elham
Tehran, Aug 28, IRNA
Iran-Govt-Spokesman
Authority does not emanate from nuclear weapons, bullying and
aggressions, said Government Spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham on
Monday.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing with reporters, he said
nations adopting a reasonable political behavior have innately
enjoyed authority.
Elham's comments came as he was responding a question whether
Iran would use certain levers to prove its authority at the
international arena.
"Iran has repeatedly announced that using nuclear weapons has
no place in its defense doctrine," stressed the spokesman.
He added that Tehran believed in adopting a policy which is
based on peace and justice.
"We believe that a justice-based peace can bring security and
peace for entire world," Elham said.
He added those who were relying on the old-fashioned methods of
using advanced weapons and nuclear arsenals "are repeating a
great historic mistake again."
"Iran is not seeking authority as it already has it. Iran is a
powerful country," Elham stressed.
*****************************************************************
25 IRNA: Iran in process of producing enriched industrial uranium
Tehran, Aug 28, IRNA
Nuclear--Aqazadeh
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Chief Gholam-Reza
Aqazadeh said here on Sunday that the committed Iranian
scientists are passing through industrial-scale uranium
enrichment process.
Addressing a ceremony to award plaques of honor to 14 national
nuclear scientists at Vahdat Hall, downtown Tehran, he said
today, Iran's peaceful nuclear activities are carried out in two
parallel courses including providing nuclear fuel for light
water reactors and construction of heavy and light water nuclear
power plants.
Lauding the endeavor of young Iranian researchers in
materializing the country's peaceful nuclear programs, he said
the AEOI has been assigned to produce 20,000 mgw of nuclear
energy based on the country's needs as approved by the Islamic
Consultative Assembly.
Aqazadeh further announced that 93 percent of construction of
the 1,000-mgw Bushehr power plant, under construction with the
help of Russia, has been completed.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is pressing ahead with its nuclear
research activities to master small-scale industrial enrichment,
he said adding that Iran's 164-centrifuge cascade at the Natanz
facility s operating according to the schedule. By successfully
enriching uranium up to 3.5 percent in Natanz facility, Iran has
become one of the nine signatories of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) enjoying this special technology, Aqazadeh added.
*****************************************************************
26 IRNA: China cautions US, Europe against imposing economic sanction on Iran -
, Aug 28, IRNA
---
China on Monday explicitly cautioned the United States and
Europe against attempts to imposing economic sanction against
Iran, Chinese International Radio said.
In an analysis on Iran's nuclear case, the radio said both the
US and Europe would incur damage from imposing economic
sanctions against Iran.
It pointed to dependence of Western states on Iranian oil and
transit of oil from the Strait of Hormuz, which is under full
control of Iran, and said impacts of an economic sanction
against Iran on Western states could be well predicted.
There is no doubt that economic sanction against Iran or
resorting to military options not only would not settle dispute
over Iran's nuclear case, but would further complicate the
issue, the radio said.
It added that diplomatic negotiations and a peaceful solution
to Iran's nuclear case would be effective in restoring regional
and international peace, stability and development and would
meet interests of both sides.
The radio said there was a link between the US pressure to
impose sanctions against Iran or resort to military option and
the US presidential election in November, adding that the US
Republicans intend to accelerate sanctions against Iran to win
the election.
It pointed to regular inspection by the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) of Iran's nuclear sites, saying despite
three years of inspections, the IAEA has found no document on
diversion of Iran's nuclear activities towards military
application or production of nuclear weapons.
It stressed that a military attack on Iran would be an
incorrect measure, saying military options and sanctions would
not have any effect on Iran's nuclear case.
*****************************************************************
27 Guardian Unlimited: Report: NKorea Removes Missile Equipment
From the Associated Press
[UP]
Monday August 28, 2006 8:31 AM
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea has removed all long-range
missile equipment from a launch site, significantly lowering the
possibility of a new test launch, the chief of South Korea's
main spy agency said Monday, according to Yonhap news agency.
Intelligence reports have said North Korea may have moved two
long-range Taepodong-2 missiles, believed potentially capable of
reaching the United States, to a launch site on its east coast
before test-firing one of them July 5.
South Korean officials have said fresh intelligence showed that
the remaining missile may have been moved somewhere else.
On Monday, Kim Seung-kyu, head of the National Intelligence
Service, said the North ``withdrew all equipment related to
Taepodong-2'' from the site in mid-July, ending ``missile
activity in the region,'' according to Yonhap.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
*****************************************************************
28 Guardian Unlimited: Rumsfeld: S. Korea Need Not Fear North
From the Associated Press
[UP]
Monday August 28, 2006 8:46 AM
AP Photo AKAG110
By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer
FORT GREELY, Alaska (AP) - In unusually blunt terms, Defense
Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said decades-old U.S. ally South
Korea need not fear communist North Korea as an immediate
military threat.
At a news conference at this missile defense base south of
Fairbanks, Rumsfeld said Sunday that North Korea is a serious
threat to spread ballistic missiles and other dangerous
technologies around the world. But he made plain that he sees
the North's conventional military strength eroding as its
economy crumbles.
``I don't see them, frankly, as an immediate military threat to
South Korea,'' he said.
His comment could be interpreted as an effort to build a
rhetorical case for further reductions in U.S. troop levels in
South Korea, already scheduled to be cut from 32,500 to 20,000
over the next few years. U.S. troops also are moving farther
away from the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South
Korea, and Rumsfeld has sought to use Korea-based troops in
missions outside Asia.
The South Korean government fears a too-rapid reduction in U.S.
military support, which it has relied on for more than half a
century since the Korean War ended in a cease-fire instead of a
peace treaty.
Rumsfeld was at Fort Greely for his first look at the
interceptor missiles that are poised in underground silos here
as part of a system designed mainly to defend against a
potential North Korean missile attack. He climbed down into one
silo and got briefings on how the system is being improved.
Ten interceptors are emplaced in silos at Greely and an 11th was
scheduled to be installed Monday.
Rumsfeld often accuses North Korea of posing a threat with
missiles capable of reaching Japan and possibly parts of the
United States. But he has rarely offered such a skeptical
assessment of the North's overall military power.
``I think the real threat that North Korea poses in the
immediate future is more one of proliferation than a danger to
South Korea,'' he said, adding that the North Koreans for years
have sold ballistic missile technologies to Iran and unspecified
other countries - ``mostly terrorist countries.''
To illustrate his point about North Korea's waning conventional
military strength, Rumsfeld said its air force pilots fly fewer
than 50 training hours a year because of a lack of resources.
That compares with more than 200 training hours in the air each
year by U.S. military pilots.
``That makes a difference,'' he said, ``if you're flying less
than 50 compared to a couple of hundred or 300. And that's
undoubtedly true of other aspects of their military. So I don't
see them, frankly, as an immediate military threat to South
Korea. I think South Korea has an awful lot of capability, and
it's increasing.''
Rumsfeld added that North Korea no longer has a ``major power
sponsor'' like it did during the Korean War, in which hundreds
of thousands of Chinese troops came to the North's aid after
American troops overtook Seoul, the South Korean capital, and
reached the Yalu River on China's border in October 1950.
The Soviet Union also played a military role - less overt than
China's - in support of the North in the Korean War.
Today, Rumsfeld said, both China and Russia are ``a little
standoffish'' with North Korea. ``And that changes the equation
from that standpoint.''
As an example of that loss of support, South Korea's Chosun Ilbo
newspaper reported Saturday that China has reduced ``a
significant amount'' of its oil supplies to North Korea since
its July missile launches.
Rumsfeld said Sunday that those missile test launches underscore
the North's determination to ``continue to improve their
capability and to threaten and attempt to blackmail other
people.''
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
*****************************************************************
29 Korea Herald: [EDITORIAL] Pyongyang's choice
North Korea once again made an anxious denial that it
counterfeits U.S. banknotes, and demanded that Washington lift
its financial sanctions to pave the way for its return to
multilateral talks in Beijing. "We want to hold the six-party
talks more than anyone else as we will earn more when the Sept.
19 joint statement is implemented," Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry
spokesman said last weekend, "but we cannot walk into the
conference room with the (U.S.) sanctions on our head."
The language of the lengthy statement was moderate and fairly
candid. Still, any such appeal is unlikely to sway Washington as
long as President Bush believes Pyongyang prints the
"supernotes" and considers it "a duty of all presidents" to
punish whoever counterfeits their currency. So the stalemate
continues.
The six parties agreed to swap the North's abandonment of its
nuclear program for a guarantee of Pyongyang's security and
economic aid. What happened during the year-long period instead
was Washington's tightening of financial sanctions against
Pyongyang, which in turn test-fired missiles to demonstrate its
capability of delivering nuclear warheads to distant targets.
And now, Pyongyang watchers speculate that a nuclear test is
imminent.
Efforts were made to hold some dialogue outside Beijing such as
at the recent ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur where all six
nations of the nuclear talks were invited, but there was no
meaningful discussion. North Korean Foreign Minister Paik
Nam-sun was virtually untouchable throughout the event. The
anniversary of the Sept. 19 accord is approaching, but the firm
U.S. action on expanding pressure on the North's financial
partners stands in the way of a breakthrough.
A proud socialist state as it is, no matter what reputation it
has in the international community, North Korea would not make
any admission on state-level wrongdoings. But it can at least
make the gesture of proposing a joint investigation of the U.S.
allegations, offering to punish whoever is responsible for
producing the counterfeit supernotes.
Despite its claim of being unscathed by the U.S. action, we
detect a sense of urgency in the Pyongyang statement, a desire
for an end to the standoff. Last month, Kim ordered the firing
of ballistic missiles in a move to force a change of U.S.
attitude, but the costly scheme fizzled with the failure of the
long-range Taepodong II. Now he has the ultimate option of
testing a nuclear device to join the nuclear club and to be
treated as such.
The detonation of a nuclear device would instantly lead to the
collapse of the multilateral process that so arduously sought a
nonproliferation regime in Northeast Asia, and an end to all the
offers of aid and security guarantees from the other parties.
Pyongyang might announce the securing of an "independent means
of security" but the Bush administration will now be forced to
concentrate its North Korea policy on the last choice of regime
change. Can Kim Jong-il's North Korea withstand the isolation
and subsequent economic constrictions only with the slogan of
"surviving in our own style" - and for how long?
2006.08.29
*****************************************************************
30 Korea Herald: 'North ready to test nukes on Kim's word'
North Korea would be able to test its nuclear weapons any time
if leader Kim Jong-il ordered it, South Korea's intelligence
chief said yesterday.
"But there are no imminent signs suggesting it," said National
Intelligence Service director Kim Seung-kyu during a
parliamentary committee meeting.
"Something that appeared to be cable was detected near Kilju,
North Hamkyong Province, but it is difficult to assume that it
is directly related to a nuclear test," Kim said.
Reports recently said activities were being detected near a
suspected nuclear test site, suggesting that the communist
regime could be preparing for underground test.
"Surrounding facilities for a nuclear test are always on
standby, and considering the North's capabilities, the
possibility (for a test) is always open if (the North's) Defense
Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il makes a decision," Kim told
lawmakers.
But he said it was premature to assume that North Korea was
actually preparing for one.
Quoting unidentified U.S. government and intelligence
officials, U.S.-based ABC News reported that North Koreans were
spotted unloading large reels of cable near the site.
It said the cable could be used to link a nuclear test site to
an outside observation post.
Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok had denied the report,
saying that there have been no signs of an imminent nuclear test.
Lee had added that South Korea and the United States are
closely working together to survey the North Korean activities.
North Korea last month test-fired seven missiles into the East
Sea, raising security tension in the region.
Kim from the NIS said North Korea removed all of the long-range
Taepodong-2-related equipment from the test site in North
Hamkyong Province after the firing.
(angiely@heraldm.com)
By Lee Joo-hee
2006.08.29
*****************************************************************
31 RIA Novosti: Kazakh, Japanese leaders sign up to nuclear cooperation
28/ 08/ 2006
ASTANA, August 28 (RIA Novosti) - Japan and Kazakhstan signed
Monday a memorandum of intent on nuclear cooperation, as well as
a joint statement on friendship, partnership and cooperation.
Japan's 55 nuclear reactors produce 30% of the country's
electricity and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who was on the
first day of a visit to Kazakhstan and neighboring Uzbekistan,
hailed the signing of the documents.
"The statement will serve as a basis for even broader
cooperation between our countries, including in the sphere of
nuclear power, and, in particular, in developing uranium
deposits," Koizumi said.
The Japanese premier said his country, which also imports nearly
all of its oil, attached huge importance to relations with
Kazakhstan. The former Soviet republic has at least a quarter of
the world's uranium deposits and is also rich in crude.
Koizumi said Kazakhstan could become a prominent country in the
development of the entire Central Asia region.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said: "We are interested
in attracting direct Japanese investment into our country's
economy, particularly in the production of goods with high added
value, and are ready to provide necessary preferences."
Trade between Kazakhstan and Japan in January-June 2006 stood
at $439.2 million, up 21% on the same period last year.
Koizumi, who will step down as prime minister next month, is on
a three-day trip to the region.
© 2005 RIA Novosti
*****************************************************************
32 Korea: Digital Chosunilbo: N.Korea Ready for Nuke Test Anytime - Spymaster
> Updated Aug.28,2006 20:23 KST
When Dealing With North Korea, Assume the Worst
North Korea: Salami or Hedgehog?
North Korea could conduct a nuclear test at any time if leader
Kim Jong-il makes the decision, National Intelligence Service
director Kim Seung-kyu said Monday. ¡°Nuclear test facilities
are always on standby in North Korea, but we don¡¯t have any
direct information indicating that the North is preparing for
such a test,¡± the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee
Chairman Shin Ki-nam quoted Kim as saying. Another member of the
committee said the NIS rated the chances of Pyongyang carrying
out a nuclear test at 50:50.
The remarks add substance to claims from unnamed U.S. officials
warning of an imminent nuclear test and contrast with the
government¡¯s attitude so far of not taking the threat too
seriously.
A satellite picture of North Korea¡¯s 5 MW nuclear reactor in
Yongbyon taken on September 29 released by the U.S military news
source GlobalSecurity. /courtesy of the online edition of
GlobalSecurity.
Objects that appear to be cables were spotted in Gilju, North
Hamgyeong Province recently, Kim said. ¡°It is unclear if the
objects are directly related to preparations for a nuclear test,
but we are working to identify their exact purpose.¡± The
spymaster said the NIS is closely cooperating with intelligence
agencies abroad to identify what they are for, keeping all
possible scenarios in mind. ¡°Except for the cables, there were
no signs of an imminent nuclear test such as the setting up of
measuring equipment and observation posts, control on nearby
roads and tunnel refilling observed,¡± he added. The cables can
be used to supply electricity inside tunnels or link an
underground nuclear test site with outside measuring equipment.
Meanwhile, Kim said North Korea removed all the equipment
related to its Taepodong-2 missiles from the missile launch site
in mid-July after a test of one of the long-range rockets failed
on July 5. ¡°It seems unlikely that it will be able to launch
another Taepodong-2 missile anytime soon,¡± he added.
The NIS chief also dismissed rumors that Kim Jong-il has health
problems. ¡°This is the 17th time that he hasn¡¯t shown up in
public for more than a month,¡± Kim said. ¡°It¡¯s true that he
is getting certain medical treatment, but he is not in bad
enough shape to suggest any serious medical condition.¡±
Regarding another rumor that the leader is about to visit to
China, Kim said, ¡°It¡¯s possible but there are no signs yet.¡±
The committee was briefed that North Korea¡¯s relationship with
China is strained after the UN Security Council adopted a
resolution to impose punitive measures on North Korea for its
missile tests in July and Pyongyang is seeking help from other
countries, a member reported.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
*****************************************************************
33 Korea Times: North Korea's Nuclear Test Always Possible
Hankooki.com > The Korea Times > Nation
By Park Song-wu Staff Reporter
Kim Seung-kyu, director of the National Intelligence Service
The nation's top intelligence official told lawmakers on Monday
that North Korea's test of nuclear weapons is ``always''
possible if its leader Kim Jong-il has made a strategic decision
to step over what Washington calls a ``red line.''
Kim Seung-kyu, director of the National Intelligence Service
(NIS), however, said that his agency does not have intelligence
indicating an imminent test.
``Keeping all possibilities in mind, we are closely cooperating
with intelligence agencies of other nations to track down the
signals of the North's preparations for a test,'' Rep. Shin
Ki-nam of the governing Uri Party quoted Kim as saying during a
closed-door session at the National Assembly.
ABC News in the United States reported two weeks ago that
preparatory activities including the unloading of large reels of
cable outside an underground facility in Punggye, northeast
North Korea, were allegedly taking place.
Kim said his agency had also kept a close eye on the tunnel
since it was excavated in the late 1990s.
``But the finding of cables there does not necessary mean that
they are directly related to a nuclear test,'' Kim said. ``We
will continue trying to find out what they are used for.''
Nuclear testing needs cables to connect an underground
detonation site to outside observation equipment.
As for the possibility of the North's additional test-fire of
missiles, Kim said Pyongyang has withdrawn all necessary
equipment from launch pads since the lift-off of seven missiles
on July 5.
``It will be difficult for the North to conduct additional
launches in such a short period of time as Pyongyang needs time
to analyze the reason for the failure (of the long-range
Taepodong-2 missile) and to remedy (the flaws),'' he said.
Kim's report to the National Assembly came three days after a
big underground tremor from the North was detected, triggering a
bustle of intelligence activities to find out whether it was a
nuclear test.
But the seismic wave turned out to be the result of a blast as
part of a waterway project at a reservoir in Koksan, Hwanghae
Province, near the border with the South's Kwangwon Province,
intelligence sources said.
The North's Central Broadcasting Station also confirmed on
Sunday that the blast took place at 4:50 p.m. on Friday.
It registered 1.7 to 2.0 on the seismic scale and had a 2-ton
yield, much less than usual readouts of nuclear tests, according
to the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources in
Seoul.
Bombs dropped at Japan's Hirosima and Nagasaki in 1950 recorded
yields of 13 kilotons and 22 kilotons, respectively.
Experts in Seoul say any test of nuclear weapons, including
those conducted underground, can be detected in several days as
radioactive gases, such as krypton, may penetrate into
atmosphere after the explosions.
im@koreatimes.co.kr 08-28-2006 18:10
*****************************************************************
34 Rumsfeld Promotes "Missile Defense" Test
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:35:39 -0500 (CDT)
X-Sender-Host-Name: chumbly.math.missouri.edu
X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/28/washington/28missile.html?hp&ex=1156824000&
en=cab05342ea77c57f&ei=5094&partner=homepage
August 28, 2006
New York Times Rumsfeld Sees Some Progress in Missile Plan By DAVID
S. CLOUD FORT GREELY, Alaska, Aug. 27 - Secretary of Defense Donald
H. Rumsfeld said here Sunday that while the fledgling United States
ballistic missile defense system was becoming more capable, he
wanted to see a successful full-scale test before declaring it able
to shoot down a ballistic missile.
"I have a lot of confidence in these folks, and I have a lot of
confidence in the work that's been done," Mr. Rumsfeld said after
touring one of the system's two interceptor sites. But he added
that he wanted to see a test "where we actually put all the pieces
together; that just hasn't happened."
Mr. Rumsfeld's assessment was more cautious than that of the Missile
Defense Agency director, Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering III of the Air
Force. General Obering said recently that he was confident the
system could have shot down a ballistic missile test-fired July 4
by North Korea, if it had been a live attack aimed at the United
States. The two-stage rocket broke up shortly after launching and
fell into the Sea of Japan.
The Bush administration has taken the unusual step of deploying the
system, which is designed to shoot down a limited number of missiles,
before testing is completed and before all the radars and sensors
necessary to track incoming missiles are in place. Mr. Rumsfeld
repeated Sunday that the system was aimed at protecting against
attacks from North Korea and Iran, which he called "rogue states
that are intent on developing long-range ballistic missiles."
The first flight test of the American system in more than a year,
involving the firing of an interceptor at a target, is planned for
this week, but it is not the sort of full-blown trial Mr. Rumsfeld
meant.
The goal this week is to see if sensors in the so-called kill vehicle
can recognize an incoming warhead, not to actually hit it, General
Obering said. A test in which the kill vehicle is supposed to hit
the target warhead is planned for later this year, he said.
But General Obering said that this week's test was "about as realistic
as you can get" because it employed a target that in its size and
speed was representative of missiles that might be fired at the
United States.
In the last two flight tests, the system halted the firing sequence
before the interceptor missile left its silo. General Obering said
those setbacks were due to "minor glitches" in software and workmanship
by contractors that had "nothing to do with the functionality of
the system."
Even so, after the second failed test in February 2005, the system
was taken down until December.
On his tour of Fort Greely, a remote base 100 miles from Fairbanks,
Mr.
Rumsfeld climbed down a ladder into an underground silo containing
one of the 10 54-foot-long interceptor missiles already deployed.
Another of the three-stage missiles is scheduled to be put in the
ground on Monday, officials said, and as many as 40 are supposed
to be installed by next year. The other interceptor site is at
Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where two interceptors are
in silos.
Once the sensors detect an incoming missile and the interceptor is
launched, it flies 18,635 miles an hour until the kill vehicle
separates from its missile and, if it works correctly, flies into
the incoming one, destroying it.
The Bush administration is also looking at locations for an interceptor
site in Europe that would protect the United States and parts of
Europe from missiles launched from the Middle East. The administration
is seeking $126 million this year to build the site and the
interceptors, which could be in place in four years if Congress
provides the money, General Obering said.
Later in the day, Mr. Rumsfeld met in Fairbanks with Sergei Ivanov,
the defense minister of Russia, which has long been wary of the
American antimissile system, fearing it could be expanded into a
more robust shield that would threaten the strategic balance between
the United States and Russia.
Mr. Ivanov did not directly criticize the American system, but he
called for "transparency" by the Bush administration, a term meant
to convey Russia's concern about any modifications to the system
that could take its capabilities beyond stopping a small number of
missiles.
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011 (207) 729-0517 http://www.space4peace.org
globalnet@mindspring.com http://space4peace.blogspot.com (our blog)
*****************************************************************
35 Guardian Unlimited: Rumsfeld Urges Russia on U.S. Nuke Plan
From the Associated Press
[UP]
Monday August 28, 2006 2:01 AM
AP Photo AKAG109
By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld
made his strongest public case Sunday for a plan, opposed by
some in Congress and by Russia, to convert some Navy long-range
missiles from a nuclear to a conventional role for potential use
against terrorist targets anywhere in the world.
Opponents of the plan argue that it could create a situation in
which a conventionally armed U.S. Trident missile, launched from
a submarine, would be mistaken for a nuclear launch, thus
risking the possibility of a retaliatory nuclear strike.
Rumsfeld said he thought little of that argument. He said the
Pentagon would be ``fully transparent'' with Moscow about any
such conversion of strategic missiles, so that there was no room
for miscalculation.
``There are only a few countries that would have the ability to
do anything about it - regardless of which type of weapon it
was,'' he said, alluding to the small number of countries, such
as Russia, China and possibly North Korea, which possess nuclear
missiles capable of reaching U.S. territory.
Besides, he added, ``everyone in the world would know'' that the
U.S. missile was not nuclear ``after it hit within 30 minutes''
of launch.
``Or 10 minutes,'' interjected Sergei Ivanov, the Russian
defense minister who discussed the subject at a joint news
conference with Rumsfeld. The two held talks at a Fairbanks
lodge, had lunch together and then attended a ceremony
dedicating a memorial to U.S.-Soviet military cooperation during
World War II.
By noting that a long-range missile might hit its target in as
little as 10 minutes from launch, Ivanov appeared to be
emphasizing the short time frame in which a decision on
retaliating would have to be made.
At an otherwise harmonious news conference, Rumsfeld explained
the Bush administration's rationale for the plan to put
conventional warheads on some Trident missiles aboard
submarines, and he said Moscow should embrace the idea for its
own good.
``It would be a good thing if, five, 10 or 15 years from now
both of our countries had that additional weapon available in
case it might be needed in an unusual circumstance,'' Rumsfeld
said in response to a question from a Russian reporter who asked
him to comment on reports about the conversion plan.
``We would be happy to see the Russian government decide to do
the same thing,'' he said. Later he said, ``I hope my friend
Sergei takes that home and discusses it and calls me up on the
phone and says he thinks that's a terrific idea.''
Ivanov, however, made clear that his government opposes the
plan.
``I would like to stress this point: these are preliminary
plans, and for sure these U.S. plans raise Russian concerns,''
Ivanov said.
The Russian defense chief said he understands that Rumsfeld sees
this prospective weapon as a way of maximizing U.S. options for
``preventive strikes,'' meaning attacks against terrorist
targets that are launched not in response to a terrorist act but
in order to destroy a terrorist weapon before it can be used.
``There are different solutions'' to that problem, Ivanov said.
He mentioned the use of cruise missiles, which traditionally
carry conventional warheads and would not be mistaken for a
possible nuclear strike.
Ivanov said his government was willing to discuss the matter
with U.S. officials.
The two defense chiefs also discussed Russia's objections to
economic sanctions imposed earlier this month by the State
Department on two Russian arms companies for their dealings with
Iran. The companies - Rosoboronexport and Sukhoi - were among
seven companies Washington said violated a U.S. law known as the
Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000. The law is aimed at
preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction to Tehran.
Rumsfeld said Moscow and Washington disagree over the facts in
the case and that he agreed to have the matter reconsidered.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
*****************************************************************
36 Idaho Statesman: Craig: "It is a vitally important and growing component in
America's energy mix"
Reader's Opinion -
Larry craig
Edition Date: 08-27-2006
Last year Congress passed the first comprehensive energy bill in
13 years: the Energy Policy Act (EPACT), which begins to rectify
U.S. energy policies. The world is already phasing out
hydrocarbons (gasoline, coal, oil, natural gas), a process that
will take more than half a century, and EPACT moves us more
rapidly in this direction. Notably, it contains incentives to
restart nuclear power in this country that have already produced
plans for 27 new reactors. The economic, energy-security, and
environmental benefits from new nuclear energy may be the most
lasting legacy of EPACT.
Idaho's electricity comes from hydroelectric, natural gas, and
more recently, wind. Yet as a state we are a net energy
importer, meaning we use electricity generated elsewhere. Most
plans for new U.S. nuclear power plants propose building them at
existing commercial reactor sites, so a commercial nuclear plant
may not be in Idaho's immediate future.
However, Idaho has played a vital role in developing nuclear
power and will continue to do so. The Idaho National Laboratory
(INL) has developed and tested more than 50 prototypes of
nuclear reactors over the past half century. With the planned
construction of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) as
early as 2016, Idaho will help assure our nation's future energy
security.
The first new reactors will be advanced versions of the
technology that currently produces emission-free electricity in
more than 30 states, but the NGNP incorporates an inherently
safe design and advanced technology that will dramatically
increase the efficiency of nuclear power. It will produce not
only emission-free electricity, but also hydrogen for use as a
transportation fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide. The NGNP
will provide high-temperature, process heat for our domestic
chemical industry, helping to replace natural gas with an
affordable, emission-free source.
Idaho will also build on its tradition of supplying highly
skilled workers to meet the growing needs of INL. The newly
formed Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls will
provide nuclear and energy related degrees to students at Idaho
State University, Boise State University, and the University of
Idaho, enabling them to be part of the exciting renaissance of
nuclear power.
Nuclear power is the largest source of emission-free energy in
the world. America's 103 operating nuclear power plants generate
nearly 20 percent of our electricity, while hydroelectric
contributes less than 9 percent, and other renewables about 2
percent. The bulk of our country's power comes from fossil
fuels: coal (50 percent), natural gas, and oil all of which
produce greenhouse gases.
I would submit that there is no realistic way to minimize
greenhouse-gas emissions without increasing the current level of
nuclear power generation. Serious policymakers understand that
nuclear power should be part of a solution to the climate-change
issue and deserves careful consideration.
Challenging the future development of nuclear power is the issue
of waste disposal. The president has launched an important
recycling initiative enabling fuel to be reused several times,
reducing waste by as much as 90 percent, and allowing developing
countries to safely use the fuel we exchange with them, so none
of it will end up in unfriendly hands. Until this program is
available, fuel can be safely stored at reactor sites. Still,
our country wants a safe permanent geologic repository, and I
will do everything within my power to make this happen.
On the eve of World War I, Winston Churchill said the key to
energy security was "variety and variety alone." We would do
well to heed that observation. While nuclear power may never
become our only energy source, it is a vitally important and
growing component in America's energy mix.
Sen. Larry Craig represents Idaho in Congress.
IdahoStatesman.com
*****************************************************************
37 The Australian: Physicist joins nuclear taskforce
This story is from our news.com.aunetwork Source: AAP
August 28, 2006
A PHYSICIST from RMIT University has been appointed to the
Federal Government's nuclear taskforce.
Prime Minister John Howard appointed the special task force in
June to report back by the end of the year on whether Australia
should develop a nuclear industry.
Today, Mr Howard said Professor Peter Johnston, the head of
physics at RMIT University in Melbourne, would join the review.
He replaces Sylvia Kidziak who stepped down from the role for
personal reasons, Mr Howard said.
Prof Johnston is a member of the National Executive of the
Australian Institute of Physics and a councillor of the
Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering.
The taskforce is headed by former Telstra boss and nuclear
physicist Ziggy Switkowski.
Other members include George Dracoulis, Warwick McKibbin, Dr
Arthur Johnston, and Martin Thomas.
Privacy Terms © The Australian
*****************************************************************
38 Guardian Unlimited: Italy delivers on aim to be go-between
Ewen MacAskill, diplomatic editor
Monday August 28, 2006 The Guardian
Italian diplomats in London briefed journalists at their embassy
more than a year ago on the extent of the country's military
commitments in international missions overseas. The number of
troops involved was a surprise, but most journalists present
dismissed the briefing as the kind of PR embassies are always
organising.
They are no longer so dismissive. In the past month, the Italian
government has taken a lead, along with France, in ending the
Israeli-Lebanon war and emerged as a potential player in the
behind-the-scenes talks to free the two Israeli soldiers whose
capture by Hizbullah started the conflict.
As a sign of Italy's increased readiness on the diplomatic front,
foreign minister Massimo D'Alema said it wanted to join the US,
France, Germany and Britain in talks with Iran on the nuclear
crisis.
Italy's desire for a major role predates Romano Prodi's arrival,
but he is responsible for this new confidence, positioning the
country as an ally of the US, while not as slavish as his
predecessor. On becoming prime minister, he withdrew Italian
troops from Iraq, but has since shown willing to work with the
US in other areas.
Italy, with no seat on the UN security council, is not like the
US or Britain. But almost unnoticed it is increasingly active.
When the UN asked for troops for a force for Lebanon, even while
fighting was going on, Mr Prodi offered 3,000. Jacques Chirac
promised France would lead the peacekeeping force and hinted at
3,000 men, but initially offered 200. Italy stuck by its pledge
and offered to lead the force.
Why is Italy prepared to risk troops in Lebanon, but not Iraq?
The answer is the domestic opposition to the Iraq war, but also
because Rome sees its national interest as centring on the
Mediterranean. "Italy has gone back to having an important role
in international diplomacy, and even more in the Mediterranean
area," Mr Prodi yesterday told La Repubblica readers. Mr
D'Alema, in comments that will irritate Britain and France,
which have never lost interest in the Middle East, said Europe
needed to pay more attention to that region, after being
distracted by EU enlargement in recent years.
It was in the context of a greater role in the Middle East that
Mr D'Alema made his offer to help the European trio of Britain,
France and Germany in negotiations with Iran and the US.
Although Iran appeared to welcome the prospect, the EU trio may
resist, having worked together for the past three years on talks,
albeit mainly unsuccessfully. And yesterday Lebanon's Hizbullah
leader revealed that Italy has also offered to mediate a prisoner
swap.
Useful links
Italian government
Italian parliament
Ministry of foreign affairs (in English)
[UP]
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
*****************************************************************
39 Reuters: Middle East peace process must be revived--Chirac
Mon 28 Aug 2006 7:50 AM ET
By Crispian Balmer
PARIS, Aug 28 (Reuters) - The various crises afflicting the
Middle East are all interlinked, and "the interminable
Israeli-Palestinian conflict" is at the heart of the problem,
French President Jacques Chirac said on Monday.
Painting a bleak picture of the troubled region, Chirac said
violence might get out of control unless the peace process was
revived, and called on Iran and Syria to end their international
isolation and help seek an end to years of conflict.
"Everyone can clearly see that in the Middle East, the fracture
lines join up and the crises grow," Chirac told an annual
gathering of French ambassadors, saying the key issue was the
conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
"Over and above these clashes, there is a bigger danger, that
of a divorce between worlds. East against West, Islam against
Christianity, rich against poor," he added.
Chirac, who has always tried to maintain strong ties with the
Arab world, said he wanted a rapid meeting of the quartet of
Middle East peace brokers -- the United States, United Nations,
European Union and Russia -- to look at ways of resuming talks.
"To resign oneself to the status quo is to risk being trapped
in a cycle of violence which will get out of control. Israel
legitimately aspires to security, but security does not go
without justice," he added.
The president said fighting between Israel and Hizbollah had
undone 15 years of hard work rebuilding the Lebanese economy,
and called for a "vast outpouring of solidarity" at a planned
international conference for Lebanon.
Israel should lift the blockade of Lebanon it imposed at the
start of the war and which is still partly in place, he said.
Israel says its aim was to stem the flow of arms to Hizbollah.
Chirac warned that fighting would resume without a long-term
settlement involving all the parties in the conflict.
OUT IN THE COLD
"The gamble for peace and security also concerns Iran and
Syria," said Chirac, whose eight-page speech to the gathering of
ambassadors was dominated by Middle East issues.
Chirac called Iran "a great country" and urged it to negotiate
with world powers over its nuclear ambitions.
"Iran will not find security in the development of hidden
(nuclear) programmes, but in its full immersion in the heart of
the international community," Chirac said.
"Once again, I urge Tehran to send the necessary signals to
create the conditions for trust. There is always room for
dialogue," he added.
World powers have threatened to hit Iran with sanctions if it
refuses to halt work on uranium enrichment, a process that can
make fuel for reactors or material for warheads. Tehran says it
is ready for talks but has refused to suspend enrichment.
Turning to Syria, Chirac said it should "abandon its insular
mentality".
Chirac used to have a good rapport with Syrian leaders, but
this was dealt a blow by the assassination last year in Beirut
of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, a close
friend. The killing was blamed on pro-Syrian agents.
"(Syria) has the calling to retake its place at the table of
nations, respecting the international legality and sovereignty
of its neighbours. The Middle East needs Syria to be working
actively for peace and stability in the region," he said.
(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Pineau)
© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved. [ border=]
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40 The Hindu: Nuclear scientists meet Manmohan
Monday, August 28, 2006 : 1015 Hrs
Mumbai, Aug. 28. (PTI):Seven top nuclear scientists have asked
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to remain focused on the assurances
given to both the Houses of Parliament on the Indo-US civilian
nuclear deal.
"We asked the Prime Minister to be focused on the assurances
given to both the Houses of Parliament on the Indo-US deal on
civilian nuclear cooperation," the scientists, who met Singh in
New Delhi on Saturday, said.
They described as "very good" the meeting, specially arranged to
listen to the concerns of the scientists who had voiced
apprehensions over changes being sought to be made in the deal
through legislation in the US Congress.
"National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and Atomic Energy
Secretary Anil Kakodkar were told to consult the scientists,
especially on the issue of International Atomic Energy Agency
safeguards and the India-specific safeguards and additional
protocols," they said.
The discussion was not only pertaining to the Indo-US deal but
on various aspects of future of nuclear energy programme of
India, including expediting the realisation of fast-breeder
reactors on a fast track, said former Chairman of Atomic Energy
Commission P K Iyengar.
Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of
*****************************************************************
41 RIA Novosti: Russian nuclear agency could set up venture fund in late 2006
28/ 08/ 2006
MOSCOW, August 28 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's state nuclear power
agency said Monday it could establish a venture fund with up to
$400 million to finance innovative projects in electricity and
other areas by the end of 2006.
A spokesman for the Federal Agency for Nuclear Power said, "The
fund would finance innovative projects in civilian electric
power, electronics, clean materials, and water supplies
developed by research institutes."
The fund, which could be launched in late 2006 or early 2007,
would initially receive $30-$40 million in government funds, and
its total volume is expected to reach $300-$400 million, the
source said. The agency is currently in talks with private
Russian firms on joint investment projects.
The spokesman said state funds would be allocated on the
condition the projects were 50% co-financed by private
investors. The idea is still at the discussion stage, and the
agency's fund could emerge as a sub-fund of a venture fund to be
opened by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, he said.
The ministry is currently forming a venture company which would
consist of at least 10 sectoral venture funds, as part of an
effort to revitalize the country's industrial base and diversify
the economy away from commodity exports.
The ministry said earlier the government would invest between
600 million rubles ($23 mln) and 1.5 billion rubles ($56 mln) in
the venture funds' charter capital, but that its control would
be limited to 49% of stock.
The ministry said it would announce tenders on management
companies for venture funds by the end of the year or early
2007.
However some experts fear the idea of venture funds, extensively
used in developed countries, might not work in Russia, where
businesses are heavily focused on raw materials production and
exports.
© 2005 RIA Novosti
*****************************************************************
42 Clarion-Ledger: Community shows up for nuclear plant hearing -
August 28, 2006
By Julie Goodman
PORT GIBSON — More than 30 people have filed into the courtroom
at Port Gibson City Hall tonight to register their feelings
about placing a second nuclear reactor at Entergy's Grand Gulf
Nuclear Power Plant site here.
The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Commission, an independent agency
that regulates civilian use of nuclear materials, is conducting
an environmental and safety review to determine if the area is
capable of supporting another reactor. The commission's legal
arm, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, reviews the work,
giving the public a chance to weigh in.
An early site permit for Entergy would help clear the way for an
operating license to NuStart Energy Development LLC, a
consortium of nuclear companies formed in 2004. NuStart has
selected Grand Gulf as one of two plant sites it will target for
construction and operating licenses.
Melissa Kemp came from Washington D.C. for the public hearing.
She is an organizer and analyst for Public Citizen, a national
nonprofit advocacy group that wants to end the building of more
nuclear plants.
Kemp said the issue is not just local. It's regional, she said.
"It is something that affects a wider area than Port Gibson."
, updated June 7, 2005.
©2006 The Clarion-Ledger
*****************************************************************
43 Sofia Echo: New power plant proposed in Bulgaria -
www.sofiaecho.com
Mon 28 Aug 2006
[Roumen Ovcharov] Roumen Ovcharov
German power utility RWE has proposed building a 600-megawatt
coal-fired power plant in Bulgaria for up to 800 million euro.
“We have introduced our offer to build a new power plant as well
as to invest in Maritsa Iztok mines,” RWE Power AG executive
board member Matthias Hartung told reporters on August 18 in
Radnevo, Southern Bulgaria, where the coal mining and electricity
generating complex Maritsa Iztok is located.
Maritsa Iztok generates about 30 per cent of Bulgaria’s
electricity output.
“This is a very detailed offer, which will bring a long-term
certainty for coal and electricity production in the region,”
Hartung said.
Bulgaria hopes to remain a leading power exporter in Southeast
Europe through building new generating plants. The country has
pledged to decommission units three and four of its sole nuclear
power plant Kozloduy by the end of 2006 to address safety
concerns voiced by the European Union. Kozloduy produces about
40 per cent of the country’s electricity output.
US power group AES in June launched the construction of a
two-billion-leva (1.025 billion euro) 670-megawatt coal-fired
power plant at the Maritsa Iztok complex.
Meanwhile, Italy’s largest utility, Enel, confirmed on August 18
it was planning a 600- megawatt power plant at Maritsa Iztok for
one billion euro.
“We had a plan and we have proposed it to the government,” an
Enel senior official, who declined to be named, told reporters.
“We may build the three of them,” Economy and Energy Minister
Roumen Ovcharov told a news conference. He said that if the
three power stations were built, Bulgarian power plants’
capacity would reach 2000 megawatts.
Ovcharov said that both environmental and economic estimates
were needed to determine the technological capacity of the
Maritsa Iztok complex, prior to granting RWE a permit for the
project. He said that the evaluation of the technological
capacity of the complex and the options for adding power
capacity would be financed by both the state and investors.
Hartung said that RWE did not have final plans for the location
of the power plant and that further talks would be held when the
Bulgarian government examined the offer. He said that the
construction of a power plant with capacity of 600 megawatts
would cost 700 to 800 million euro in the current market
situation.
“We showed our readiness and all that we offer to the Bulgarian
government we should develop together. So, RWE can not give a
time frame,” he said.
It is planned that the electricity produced at the plant will be
sold mainly on the Bulgarian market.
“On the grounds of our experience in the market liberalisation
in East Germany and privatisation in Hungary, we know what are
the exact requirements and what will be next in the market
development and we are sure that the energy complex in the
region has a long-term outlook,” Hartung said.
In June, Enel acquired full control of Dutch-registered Maritsa
Iztok 3 Power Holding, which owns 73 per cent in coal-fired
Maritsa Iztok 3, Bulgaria’s third-largest power plant. The
Italian utility also acquired 100 per cent in the Entergy Power
Netherlands firm, which holds a 73 per cent stake in Maritsa
Iztok 3 Operating Company that operates and maintains the
lignite-fired 840-megawatt plant.
Bulgarian state-owned National Electric Company, which controls
the country’s power grid, owns the remaining 27 per cent in both
Maritsa Iztok 3 Power Holding and Entergy Power Netherlands.
“I think it is important for the region that RWE, which has a
long-standing experience in electricity production from brown
coal, has serious plans to invest in the region and to give its
know-how,” Hartung said.
For the first half of 2006, 34.1 million leva have been invested
in the mine, and investments will reach 64 million leva for the
whole year, Maritsa Iztok CEO Ivan Markov told a news
conference. He added that the investment plan up to 2020
specified investments of 150 million leva in the new equipment
and optimisation of the production process for the next three
years.
Markov said that the mine would produce less than its output
capacity while the Maritsa Iztok 2 thermal power plant is in
rehabilitation, but within three years sales would rise by 50 to
60 per cent.
“Our main effort is to prepare technically for this challenge,”
Markov said.
Maritsa Iztok Mines had output of 11.6 million tons of coal for
the first half of 2006, up by 639 000 tons on the year,
according to Markov.
www.sofiaecho.com
*****************************************************************
44 UPI: German minister wants nuke plant shut
United Press International - Energy -
8/28/2006 10:40:00 AM -0400
BERLIN, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Germany's environment minister wants to
shut down a German nuclear power plant earlier than planned
because of reports it had security issues.
"Brunsbuettel is a power plant which, because it is older, is not
as secure as newer plants," Sigmar Gabriel, the environment
minister, told the daily Tagesspiegel. "It makes sense to take
such plants off the line earlier."
It is scheduled to shut down Brunsbuettel in 2009, but Gabriel
and environmental advocates feel the plant should be switched off
earlier.
Environmental organizations have criticized the security
standards of the plant in Brunsbuettel, built between 1970 and
1976, after an incident at the Swedish nuclear power plant in
Forsmark last month. They said Brunsbuettel was worse off than
Forsmark when it comes to emergency power generators, two of
which had failed in Sweden.
Gabriel said Vattenfall, the plant's operator, had until next
week to prove that the security standards were sufficient.
Vattenfall officials claim the criticism of Brunsbuettel is
unjust.
Gabriel was misusing the security debate to "discredit
Brunsbuettel to undermine the possibility for an extension of
operating times."
Germany's conservatives in the past have tried to question the
phase out of nuclear energy by 2021, a plan agreed upon by the
former government.
© Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights
Reserved
*****************************************************************
45 Pittsburgh Business Times: Westinghouse deals in S. Korea worth $300M -
Pittsburgh Business Times - 12:07 PM EDT Monday
Westinghouse deals in S. Korea worth $300M said it signed
contracts worth more than $300 million to provide equipment and
support for two nuclear power plants in South Korea.
The Westinghouse contracts are with Doosan Heavy Industries and
Construction Co. Ltd., and the Inc.
Doosan had hoped to purchase Monroeville-based Westinghouse from
before Westinghouse was bought by .
The power plants are APR 1400s, two 1,400-megawatt, advanced
pressurized reactors, with water used as a moderator and kept
under pressure, preventing it from boiling.
The plants will be operated by the , a subsidiary of Korea
Electric Power Corp.
The contracts will provide work at a number of Westinghouse
locations in the U.S., including: Windsor, Conn., Newington,
N.H., and Monroeville.
A Westinghouse spokesman said it was too soon to say whether
jobs would be added specifically at those locations, but said
the company is hiring.
The scope of work to be performed by Westinghouse includes
supplying reactor coolant pumps and motors, reactor vessel
internals, and control element drive mechanisms; advanced
instrumentation and control systems.
© 2006 American City Business Journals, Inc. and its licensors.
*****************************************************************
46 NRC: Tennessee Valley Authority; Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, Units 1
FR Doc E6-14202
[Federal Register: August 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 166)]
[Notices] [Page 50948-50949] From the Federal Register Online via
GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr28au06-75]
and 2; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant
Impact The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is
considering issuance of a letter terminating Construction Permit
No.
CPPR-122 for Bellefonte Nuclear Plant (BLN), Unit 1, and CPPR-123
for BLN, Unit 2, issued to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA,
permittee). The facility is located about 6 miles East-Northeast
of Scottsboro, Alabama, on the west shore of the Guntersville
Reservoir at Tennessee River Mile 392, in Jackson County,
Alabama. This action is in accordance with the permittee's
request in a letter dated April 6, 2006, as supplemented by
letter dated June 29, 2006.
Environmental Assessment Identification of the Proposed Action
The proposed action is issuance of a letter that would terminate
Construction Permit No. CPPR-122 for BLN Unit 1 and CPPR-123 for
BLN Unit 2. Canceling construction of the existing facility and
withdrawal of the construction permits is necessary in order to
close out the existing BLN project. These actions also facilitate
the consideration of other possible uses of the BLN site.
Because there are other ongoing activities on the BLN site (i.e.,
training centers for the Transmission Service Organization and
the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association), and because the
switchyard at BLN is utilized as a substation for system
operations in the region, TVA would not withdraw existing
environmental permits or remove equipment associated with these
other activities.
TVA would keep and maintain BLN in regulatory compliance.
Compliance activities would include National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permits, division monitoring reports,
demolition permits, and air permits that are applicable to the
entire site.
These measures would continue as long as TVA has ownership of the
BLN site. Maintaining and complying with these existing permits
and regulations would ensure the stability of the site, until
such time that TVA may decide, if or how the site would be
alternatively utilized.
Because so much of the site will be maintained, the general
activities associated with the redress of the site are relatively
minor in nature. Most of the minor environmental impacts
resulting from redress would be associated with removal of
equipment or structures not identified as necessary for other
site activities. Materials and structures removed would be above
grade or in areas that have experienced substantial previous
ground disturbance for the original construction of the plant.
TVA currently plans to maintain such major components as the
intake and discharge facilities, cooling towers, wastewater
system, and transmission switch yards. The existing containment,
turbine, and auxiliary buildings would not be demolished. The
other structures not identified as necessary would be sold, taken
apart, and removed from the site, abandoned in place, or
demolished. Most of these structures are metal and wood
warehouses located along the western portion of the site. Any
unwanted construction material or waste associated with
disposition of equipment and structures would be properly
disposed of in appropriately permitted solid waste or other
disposal facilities in accordance with pertinent Federal, state,
and local laws, regulations and ordinances, as well as TVA
processes and procedures.
Equipment identified as unnecessary would have the power
disconnected and would either be reused by other TVA facilities,
sold for reuse, or abandoned in place. Such items may include,
but are not limited to: valves, strainers, battery boards and
chargers, transfer switches, vent fans, motors, cabinet panels,
breakers, power systems, shop equipment such as lathes, air
compressors, and dryers; as well as other miscellaneous
equipment. Additional materials may include, but are not limited
to items such as: piping, tubing, conduit, cable,
instrumentation, and general construction materials. TVA would
continue to conduct periodic site inspections to ensure that none
of the equipment or materials are causing environmental, health,
or safety problems.
Redress would involve the removal of diesel generator fuel and
lube, or control fluids from the main turbine lube oil tanks,
feedwater pump lube oil tanks, reactor coolant pump motors,
control fluid tanks, and diesel generator lube oil
[[Page 50949]] sumps. Fuel and lubricant would be removed, and
storage containers would be closed in accordance with all
applicable Federal, state, or local laws and regulations.
By letter dated June 29, 2006, the permitee stated that neither
of the units can be considered a utilization facility as defined
in 10 CFR 50.2. At the time that construction of the units was
deferred, TVA considered Unit 1 to be 88 percent complete and
Unit 2 to be 58 percent complete. At this time, neither reactor
has the necessary structures, systems, or components in place to
sustain a controlled nuclear reaction. Over the past several
years, key components such as the control rod drive mechanisms
for both Unit 1 and 2 have been removed from the site, which
precludes the ability of the units to operate as nuclear
reactors. The current condition of the plants does not allow
operation; therefore, neither plant can be considered a
utilization facility.
All special nuclear material was removed from the site, as
verified in NRC Inspection Reports 50-438/92-05 and 50-439/92-05
dated August 21, 1992. The only radioactive material to be
disposed of is from the removal of smoke detectors and exit signs
from various buildings to be sold, demolished, or abandoned in
place. Upon removal, these materials shall be sent to an
NRC-approved recycler. Safeguards information has been shredded
or removed. Fenced areas are currently under industrial- type
security. The withdrawal of the construction permits will not
release air pollutants, generate water pollutants, generate
wastewater streams, or cause soil erosion. The BNL site is in an
environmentally stable condition that poses no significant hazard
to persons on site.
The Need for the Proposed Action TVA has terminated construction
of both BLN Units 1 and 2.
This action by the NRC would terminate the construction permits.
Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action This administrative
action would terminate the construction permits to reflect the
fact that there are no longer utilization facilities under
construction at the BLN site, and that the site has been
adequately stabilized. Accordingly, the NRC concludes that there
are no significant environmental impacts associated with the
proposed action.
Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives to the Proposed Action
As an alternative to the proposed action, the staff considered
denial of the proposed action (i.e., the ``no-action''
alternative). Denial of the application would result in no change
in current environmental impacts. The environmental impacts of
the proposed action and the alternative action are similar.
Alternative Use of Resources The action does not involve the use
of any different resources than those previously considered in
the Final Environmental Statement for the Bellefonte Nuclear
Plant, Units 1 and 2, dated May 24, 1974.
Agencies and Persons Consulted In accordance with its stated
policy, on July 7, 2006, the staff consulted with the Alabama
State official, Mr. Kirk Whatley of the Office of Radiation
Control, Alabama Department of Public Health, regarding the
environmental impact of the proposed action. The State official
had no comments.
Finding of No Significant Impact On the basis of the
environmental assessment, the NRC concludes that the proposed
action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the
human environment. Accordingly, the NRC has determined not to
prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed
action.
For further details with respect to the proposed action, see the
permitee's letter dated April 6, 2006, as supplemented by letter
dated June 29, 2006, and TVA's Final Environmental Assessment
dated January 30, 2006. Documents may be examined, and/or copied
for a fee, at the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR), located at
One White Flint North, Public File Area O1 F21, 11555 Rockville
Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland. Publicly available
records will be accessible electronically from the Agencywide
Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Public Electronic
Reading Room on the Internet at the NRC Web site, . Persons who
do not have access to ADAMS or who encounter problems in
accessing the documents located in ADAMS should contact the NRC
PDR Reference staff by telephone at 1-800-397-4209 or
301-415-4737, or send an e-mail to .
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 22nd day of August, 2006.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Douglas V. Pickett, Senior Project Manager, Plant Licensing
Branch II-2, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. E6-14202 Filed 8-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
*****************************************************************
47 ITAR-TASS: Fast neutron reactor reactivated at Beloyarsk NPP after repairs
28.08.2006, 18.02
YEKATERINBURG, August 28 (Itar-Tass) -- The BN-600 reactor at
the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant started operating at its
estimated capacity on Monday after repairs.
The power unit was reduced from 600 megawatt to 400 megawatt in
the evening of August 24 because of malfunction in the steam
generator. The unit is generating 600 megawatt of electricity.
The steam generator is a device where a non-radioactive coolant
transfers its heat to deionised water that is converted into
steam. Malfunctions in the steam generator do not affect the
level of radioactivity at the plant.
The BN-600 reactor is the world’s most powerful commercial fast
neutron reactor. Specialists plan to use spent nuclear fuel
imported from other countries and weapons-grade plutonium from
to-be-disposed arms in the reactors of this type.
The reactor was built to operate for 30 years. Its service life
ends in 2010.
© ITAR-TASS. All rights reserved. You undertake not to copy,
*****************************************************************
48 PRN: Westinghouse Signs New Nuclear Plant Contracts in South Korea
PR Newswire
- Affirms Westinghouse leadership role in providing nuclear
equipment and technology
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Westinghouse Electric
Company has signed contracts valued in excess of $300 million to
provide components, instrumentation and control equipment,
Man-Machine Interface Systems, and technical and engineering
support services for two new nuclear power plants to be built in
the Republic of Korea.
The Westinghouse contracts are with DOOSAN Heavy Industries
and Construction Company, Ltd., and the Korea Power Engineering
Company, Inc. The two Advanced Pressurized Reactor 1400 (APR
1400) plants - Shin Kori 3 & 4 - will be owned and operated by
the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company (KHNP), a subsidiary of
Korea Electric Power Corporation. The role of Korea Hydro &
Nuclear Power Company on the new projects is overall project
management of licensing, procurement and construction, as well as
start-up and plant operations.
At the contract signing ceremony, Jim Fici, senior vice
president, Westinghouse Customer Relations & Sales, said: "We are
here today to begin the next era of the Korean Nuclear Industry.
In beginning this APR 1400 design generation, Korea helps the
world transition to Generation III designs and proves Korean
design and construction capability."
Commenting on the contracts, Westinghouse President and CEO
Steve Tritch commended the Republic of Korea's leadership in the
worldwide commercial nuclear power industry.
"The Republic of Korea's nuclear energy program is one of the
most forward-looking programs in the world and helps to ensure
South Korea's energy independence," he said. "It also confirms
that nuclear power is an economically competitive and safe energy
source."
The contract also solidifies Westinghouse Electric Company's
position as the leading supplier of new plant technology, said
Dan Lipman, senior vice president of Westinghouse Nuclear Power
Plants. "We have provided technology and equipment for 18 nuclear
plants in South Korea in support of South Korea achieving
technological self reliance and standardization in the design of
nuclear power plants," he said. "This knowledge base and the
investments we continue to make in new plant designs position us
well for the re-emergence of new plant markets in the U.S. and
elsewhere."
The scope of work to be performed by Westinghouse includes
supplying reactor coolant pumps and motors, reactor vessel
internals, and control element drive mechanisms; advanced
instrumentation and control systems; Man- Machine Interfacing
Systems; technical support services; and engineering support
services. The contracts will provide work at a number of
Westinghouse locations in the U.S., including:
- Windsor, Connecticut -- project management and engineering
- Newington, New Hampshire -- component manufacturing
- Monroeville, Pennsylvania -- engineering and equipment
manufacture
The two plants will be located near Pusan Metropolitan City.
Work will begin almost immediately and will run to 2014.
Westinghouse Electric Company is the world's pioneering
nuclear power company and is a leading supplier of nuclear plant
products and technologies to utilities throughout the world.
Today, Westinghouse technology is the basis for approximately
one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants.
SOURCE Westinghouse Electric Company
Related links:
+ http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/
+ http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/127481.html/
Copyright © 1996- PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights
Reserved.
A United Business Mediacompany.
*****************************************************************
49 Malaysia Star: Malaysia may go for nuke energy
Tuesday August 29, 2006
By ROSLINA MOHAMAD
KUANTAN: Malaysia may explore the use of nuclear technology for
power if the oil price shoots up to US$100 (RM370) a barrel.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr
Jamaluddin Jarjis said the country need not venture into nuclear
technology at present to generate power.
“However, the world is changing. Who would have thought oil
could hit US$70 (RM259) a barrel?,” he told reporters at the 4th
Informal Asean Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology
here yesterday.
“There is even the possibility the price could shoot up to
US$100 a barrel. When that happens, Tenaga Nasional Bhd will
have no choice but to increase its tariff or go bankrupt.”
It would be a matter of national interest and economic survival
for the country’s power utility company at that time, he said
when asked about Japan being invited to share its experiences in
managing nuclear energy.
He said Malaysia wanted to know how Japan, where two major
cities – Hiroshima and Nagasaki – were destroyed by atomic bombs
during World War II, could convince its people to go along with
the use of nuclear technology to generate power and how they
build the plants.
Dr Jamaluddin said it would be an issue of economic survival if
oil price continued to rise.
“Investors may run away because their products will become too
expensive to be made in Malaysia if the cost to generate
electricity increases,” he said, adding that the Government
wanted to be prepared for the situation in the future.
“We will not be able to draw new investors as well.”
He said some European countries were already moving towards
using nuclear technology with the latest being Britain.
Closer to home, Vietnam also has plans to switch to nuclear
technology to generate power, he noted.
“We have more than 60 nuclear scientists and we want Japan to
share with us their experience,” he added.
Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No
10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.
*****************************************************************
50 BostonHerald.com: Opinion & Editorial: No TMI danger
By Diane Screnci/ Letters
Monday, August 28, 2006
Id like to correct a statement (Markey rips Bush over delay in
radiation pill handout, Aug. 19). The story said, Studies have
shown the pills could have severely reduced cancer caused by
meltdowns at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
Detailed studies of the radiological consequences of the TMI
accident have been conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department
of Health, Education and Welfare (now Health and Human
Services), the Department of Energy, Pennsylvania and others.
Those comprehensive investigations have concluded that in spite
of serious damage to the reactor, most of the radiation was
contained and that the actual release had negligible effects on
the physical health of individuals or the environment. Unlike
Chernobyl, there was such a small amount of iodine released at
TMI that it couldnt be found, only calculated. Without iodine,
there is no threat to the thyroid and no need for KI.
Diane Screnci,
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, D.C.
© Copyright by the Boston Herald and Herald Media.
*****************************************************************
51 Boston Globe: Raytheon targets nuclear smuggling
Firm sees profit in homeland security
By Robert Weisman, Globe Staff | August 28, 2006
ANDOVER -- Raytheon Co., whose military radars scan the skies to
spot hostile aircraft and missiles, is readying a new system
that will help US border authorities peer into trucks, rail
cars, and shipping containers to thwart the smuggling of nuclear
materials.
The nuclear detection system, called an advanced spectroscopic
portal, or ASP, is part of a Raytheon push into the growing
homeland security market. And its partnership with a Canadian
company on the screening program is pioneering a new
collaboration model, enabling the Waltham defense contractor to
rapidly adopt emerging technologies to use in homeland security.
``There's a lot of ways we can use technology to make our
country safer from terrorist attacks," said Michael A. Sharp ,
the ASP program director at Raytheon's Integrated Defense
Systems unit here.
Raytheon began testing new software for the ASP system last week
at the Chalk River, Ontario, site of its partner, Bubble
Technology Industries. Under a $28 million contract Raytheon won
in July from the Department of Homeland Security, the ASP
partners are building six engineering development models for
government testing and 26 working portals for airports,
seaports, and border crossings.
But the contract is seen as only the first step in what could
become Raytheon's largest nondefense program by the end of the
decade. Homeland security officials, who'd like to deploy the
new portals at more than 600 ports of entry, have estimated the
program could be worth more than $1 billion over the next five
years.
The work would be divided among Raytheon, which has based its
program in Andover, and two other contractors: Waltham's Thermo
Electron Corp., which runs its portal program out of New Mexico,
and the European-owned Canberra, which has its program in
Connecticut. The technology also carries the potential for
substantial foreign sales.
Adoption of the program could be slowed, however, by competing
homeland security demands and bureaucracy within the homeland
security department and the various port authorities and
municipalities that control US ports, securities analysts warned.
``It's a huge market opportunity, but it's a matter of how
quickly the Department of Homeland Security moves in funding the
effort," said Peter J. Arment , vice president and analyst for
JSA Research in Newport, R.I. ``And the ports all move at their
own pace."
In the ASP program, and other programs such as Project Athena, a
maritime defense system, and an airport perimeter detection
system, Raytheon has been repurposing technologies, such as
sensors and signal processing, that it first developed for
Pentagon applications.
``This technology is not new to us," said Mary D. Petryszyn ,
vice president of joint battlespace integration at Raytheon's
defense unit. ``Radiation detection is just a different kind of
detection capability."
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, many ports installed
radiation monitoring systems based on older technology. While
the systems can detect radioactive materials, they often
generate false alarms from naturally occurring radiation in
containers loaded with products like bananas, fertilizer, and
cat litter. ``The current systems can detect the presence of
radiation, but they can't discriminate between a threat source
and an innocent source," said Lianne D. Ing , vice president of
business development at Bubble Technology Industries.
Nuclear physicists from Bubble Technology, a 50-person
commercial spinoff of Canada's nuclear research laboratory,
developed a more sophisticated nuclear detection system, working
initially with the Raytheon-backed Center for Subsurface Sensing
and Imaging Systems at Northeastern University in Boston.
When the new systems measure energy, they convert it into
electronic signals. Raytheon engineers, with their signal
processing expertise, can examine the signals and differentiate
between hazardous and benign radioactive signatures.
At its integrated defense systems complex here, Raytheon, prime
contractor and systems integrator for the ASP team, has set up a
new production line for the 7-ton portals, which look like giant
stereo speakers. Raytheon will produce different versions of the
portals to screen cargo and rail cars at border crossings, as
well as mobile versions that could be trucked to sites where
there are terror threats.
About 50 of Raytheon's employees are now working on the ASP
program here, with another five posted at the Bubble site in
Ontario, and the program is expected to grow in coming years,
said Sharp, the program manager. ``I've told the customer on
numerous occasions that I'll never say no to the number of
systems they want to order," he said.
Sharp said the partnership with Bubble represented a new model
-- forging alliances with smaller and more nimble technology
companies -- that could help Raytheon grow in the changing
homeland security environment.
``We hope to use this model in the area of chem-bio protection,"
he said. ``There's a lot of little companies that come out of
universities, and that's where the technology can well up."
Robert Weisman can be reached at weisman@globe.com. [ /] ©
Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company. More:
*****************************************************************
52 [DU Information List] Weapons Used, targets hit.
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 16:20:19 -0700
X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61]
X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61
X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net
X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST
the maps are worth saving for a later time on this one.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leuren Moret
LeurenMoret@yahoo.com
August 26, 2006
WEAPONS USED, TARGETS HIT,
BOMBING INTENSITY IN LEBANON
BY THE ISRAELI MILITARY
by Leuren Moret
US Nuclear Weapons Lab Whistleblower
(BERKELEY) Here are two maps of Lebanon indicating the amount of munitions
used on targets, and what parts of the infrastructure were destroyed in
Lebanon, by Israeli military attacks:
http://maps.samidoun.org/ . These are from an
Italian journalist, Liliana Bourgana, who sent them to me – the maps are
official Lebanese government data. You can go to the Lebanese government
website listed on the maps for updates.
The journalist will be interviewing me regarding the weapons that were
used. This information is from my own observations in news coverage I saw
on Italian TV and the BBC while I was in Italy July 4-July 18, and from
Major Doug Rokke who was in charge of the Depleted Uranium cleanup team in
the Gulf after GW I:
- cluster bombs
- depleted uranium bombs - including an order during the war, by Israel
from the US, for 100 more GBU-28 5000 lb. Depleted uranium warhead bombs
[Note: I was in Italy July 4-18 and saw depleted uranium bombs on Italian
news and the BBC. Israeli military planes bombed Beirut, the airport and
southern Lebanon with DU] – depleted uranium 105mm and 120mm tank rounds
[Info from Major Doug Rokke which he saw in the news]
- missiles (probably DU)
- white phosphorous weapons
- Baccilus globigii – bioweapon which makes people throw up violently but
does not kill. [Note: a military source said this was determined from
color coding on the weapons] This was used in southern Lebanon and reported
that it suddenly caused people to get sick. - Reports from MDs treating the
wounded describing new kinds of wounds never seen before which may be laser
weapons. The US has them (classified) on the ABRAMS tanks. There were
certainly Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) used by Israel because shrunken
bodies and other types of indicators were reported by Lebanese MDs,
http://tinyurl.com/eqtpd descriptions exactly
like wounds etc. reported in Baghdad at the airport in 2003 and since:
http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=1031
- Toxic chemicals
- Lebanese MDs working with the dead and wounded reported horrific new
types of wounds and causes of death. In every war new weapons are tested
and old weapons are dumped.
I will continue to do interviews regarding the illegal use of depleted
uranium weaponry, a radioactive poison gas weapon, which has now polluted
the entire global atmosphere and has been measured in the British
atmosphere within 7-9 days of its use on the battlefields of Iraq,
Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan:
"THE QUEEN'S DEATH STAR"
http://www.mindfully.org/Nucs/2006/DU-Europe-Moret26feb06.htm
"Depleted Uranium is WMD"
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0809-33.htm
Yes it travels... very rapidly at relatively low altitude in the
troposphere, and is carried by westerlies, trade winds, convection cells,
and air currents, not to mention the sand and dust storms which are
characteristic of arid regions.
We are now in a global diabetes epidemic since 1991 as a result of global
contamination from depleted uranium. India now has 39 million diabetics and
expects 50 million by 2010 (in third world countries 80% is undiagnosed.)
The US Centers for Disease Control reported in 1980 that there were 5.7
million diagnosed cases of diabetes. That number increased by 1 million in
a decade, by 1990, to 6.7 million. Between 1990 and 2002 the number
increased to 13.5 million, with the largest increase of 2 million in a
single year between 1996-97. That is an 18% increase from 1980 to 1990 and
a 136% increase from 1980 to 2002, the last year numbers are available.
1996-97 was the period Clinton did heavy grid and carpet bombing... now we
know it was with massive amounts of depleted uranium dirty bombs. This
huge increase in diabetes is consistent with Japanese reported public
health increases in diabetes and cancer mortality, as well as other
radiation related illnesses, also increases in India, and the UK.
This planet is enveloped in depleted uranium radioactive poison dust, and
with all the other problems, it is causing the greatest mass extinction in
65 million years since the dinosaurs went extinct. Scientists predict that
50% of the worlds species will be extinct within 100 years. Infertility in
humans is an increasing problem now, with only 15% of sperm in men globally
which is normal. It used to be 80% was normal.
Britain and the US... and now Israel... have turned this planet into the
Auschwitz radioactive poison gas chamber and we are all sitting in it
increasing our body burden of radiation with every breath we take. There is
no escape...
I received an email "Thank god Bush finally nuked Israel... all we have to
do is sit and wait now." As bad as this sounds, the reality is that it is
not a joke. Israel has been contaminated from French atmospheric testing in
the Sahara, Dimona (their own nuke program), depleted uranium used in
Iraq/Yugoslavia/Afghanistan and now... Lebanon.
This will contaminate the entire Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond...
wherever the winds take it, to be rained and snowed out in our back yards.
[End]
Leuren Moret is a geoscientist and international radiation specialist. By
mapping disease she has been able to expose the full impact of radiation
exposure on the global community from atmospheric testing, nuclear power
plants and depleted uranium weapons. By using geoscience as a tool to
understanding radiation, she has established the link between the impact of
radiation on the health of the environment and global public health.
Recommended Videos
"Connecting the Dots: 911 Four Years Later, From the
A-Bomb to Depleted Uranium and Beyond" Leuren Moret
http://www.art101.com/radiation/index.html
Leuren Moret's GLOBAL RADIATION COVERUP SERIES:
"Atmospheric Testing, Nuclear Power Plants, Depleted Uranium"
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3626298989248030643
Leuren Moret's GLOBAL RADIATION COVERUP SERIES:
"Global Diabetes Epidemic Caused by Depleted Uranium"
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7451332617120640846
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53 Las Vegas SUN: U.S. to conduct non-nuclear experiment at Nevada Test Site
Today: August 28, 2006 at 15:45:25 PDT
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Government scientists were preparing Monday to
conduct another in a series of underground non-nuclear
experiments at the Nevada desert proving ground, the National
Nuclear Security Administration said.
The so-called subcritical test, dubbed Unicorn, was being
conducted at the Nevada Test Site by scientists from the
government's Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, said
Kevin Rohrer, a spokesman for the NNSA in North Las Vegas.
The planned test, scheduled Wednesday, would be the 23rd
subcritical experiment since 1997 at the 1,375-square-mile
federal reservation 85 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Subcritical tests involve the detonation of explosives around
radioactive material in a vault deep underground at the Nevada
Test Site. The explosions are designed not to reach critical
mass necessary for a self-sustaining nuclear reaction.
Federal officials call subcritical experiments essential to
maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear
arsenal.
Anti-nuclear groups criticize the experiments as contrary to the
spirit of the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty on nuclear
arms. The U.S. has observed a moratorium on full-scale nuclear
testing since 1992, but has not ratified the treaty.
The test site hosted 928 full-scale nuclear tests involving
1,021 nuclear detonations from 1951 to 1992.
---
On the Net:
National Nuclear Security Administration: http://www.nv.doe.gov
All contents copyright 2005 Las Vegas SUN, Inc.
*****************************************************************
54 Gazette.com: A dismal radon report card
August 28, 2006
Air conditioning (HVAC) systems can boost radon levels. At left
is District 11 HVAC technician Dave Peebles, one of five
employees dedicated solely to HVAC systems. (HUNTER McRAE, THE
GAZETTE)
State schools lax on mitigating gas
By CARY LEIDER VOGRIN THE GAZETTE
When Ernie Wangelin sought information on how Cheyenne Mountain
School District 12 should conduct radon testing and follow up on
elevated readings, he found little guidance from the state of
Colorado.
“This is all I could find,” he said, holding up a photocopy of
Colorado’s lone radon regulation, which concerns schools.
The one-paragraph regulation requires schools to test for the
radioactive gas, but it doesn’t require them to act if problems
are found.
“It’s kind of a gray area,” said Wangelin, director of
maintenance, grounds and transportation for D-12. There’s also
no mandate for any periodic followup testing, unless a school
undergoes extensive renovations. At many schools, test results
are more than 15 years old.
In other words, it’s entirely possible that a classroom could
have long ago tested well over 4 pCi/L — the level at which the
federal Environmental Protection Agency recommends problems be
fixed — and nothing was ever done about it.
A sampling of school radon reports
---
Part 1: Out of sight, out of mind Radioactive assault
“It is up to the District and its constituents to address
mitigation issues,” reads part of a radon Q on the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment’s Web site. “About
50 percent of the schools that were found to have a problem have
mitigated.”
Jim Burkhart, a radon expert and physics professor at the
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, is leading a new
state subcommittee that will consider making recommendations
about updating radon regulations.
Schools testing is at the top of his priority list.
Burkhart said parents should “absolutely” be concerned with
radon levels, which have been linked to lung cancer. “They
(children) spend eight hours a day there. That’s basically half
their indoor time.”
In El Paso County schools, test results and test dates are all
over the map, according to data compiled by The Gazette. Among
the findings:
- Calhan School District tested as recently as late 2005, and
although elevated levels weren’t found in any classrooms, three
rooms in the district’s administration building tested high.
Among them was the superintendent’s office, which registered a
reading of 5.2.
- Since The Gazette’s records request, Harrison School District
2 has budgeted $25,000 for retesting and potential mitigation in
five schools that registered readings well above EPA guidelines
during both short-term and long-term tests done in 1989 and
1990.
Two of the five schools — Stratton Meadows and Chamberlin
elementaries, both west of Interstate 25 — were mitigated in
1992, but the district has been unable to find results of
post-mitigation tests, said Mark Wilsey, the district’s director
of support services.
Harrison High School, where 21 of 29 rooms tested in 1990 had
elevated radon levels, is on the retest list, and the district
also plans to check Gorman Education Center, which houses the
district’s alternative middle and high schools, along with
certain rooms at Bricker Elementary. Gorman was remodeled and
needs to be retested under state guidelines; long-term results
at Bricker in 1990 ranged from 5.3 to 10.6.
“We want to know what’s going on in there — if there’s anything
that’s really high, we’ll take care of it,” said Wilsey, who has
been with the district four years.
- Unlike other districts, which placed test kits in every
classroom of every school, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12
sampled just 14 locations in its eight schools. In two of the 14
results — one from the high school and another at Canon
Elementary — levels were elevated. The most recent tests were
done in December 2005 and January 2006. The district has not
undergone mitigation but has included radon remediation as part
of a list of capital improvements to be evaluated, Wangelin
said.
- Colorado Springs District 11, the region’s largest, couldn’t
find test results for four schools that officials said had been
tested. “We know that the tests were done, but we cannot find
the paperwork,” said Director of Facilities Michael D. Maloney
of results missing from Trailblazer and Vera Scott elementaries,
Jenkins Middle School and Tesla Educational Opportunity Center.
After The Gazette’s records request, the district had the
schools retested, and all had results below 4 pCi/L. The
district also ordered followup spot testing at five other
schools that had been mitigated for elevated radon levels in the
early 1990s. Those schools, West Middle School and Queen Palmer,
Midland, Whittier and Howbert elementaries, also came back with
acceptable readings.
It’s estimated that nearly one in five schools nationwide has at
least one room with radon levels above 4, according to the EPA,
which recommends schools test all frequently used rooms that are
on and below ground level. The EPA also recommends testing
during colder months and during weekdays, when school is in
session, so heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems are operating as normal.
Burkhart, the UCCS professor who also directs an EPA-established
radon training center at the university, said it’s time to
strengthen school regulation.
“Many of the schools did nothing after they got their radon
report, and they weren’t told to, and so they didn’t,” he said.
“And for a lot of them, it is a question of money. The problem
is that we’ve gone 15-16 years with radon in these rooms
remaining high.
“Sixteen years is too long to ignore that.”
Testing dozens of rooms isn’t cheap.
District 11, for instance, paid $9,317 to test schools where
results were missing and for the follow-ups on some of its older
schools.
Doug Kladder, president of Colorado Vintage Companies, the
Colorado Springs firm that did the recent work for District 11
and has been hired by several districts in the past, said
unbalanced air conditioning systems, remodeling and even putting
up false walls in rooms can boost radon levels.
He said schools nowadays are more concerned with air quality.
“Schools are being operated differently than they were in
1990-91, where there’s a lot more attention being paid to HVAC
systems,” Kladder said.
Maloney, who became D-11’s director of facilities in 2000, said
after the district passed a bond in 1996, it upgraded HVAC
systems in about half its 60 schools, vastly improving
ventilation. Another 15 will be upgraded during the 2005-09 bond
program, he said, and the remaining 15 schools do not require
updating. The district has five employees dedicated solely to
HVAC systems.
Maloney said he’d like to do more radon retesting.
“If we can manage funding, I’d be interested in over a period of
years going through and retesting all our schools, especially if
CDPHE (state health) comes up with a new protocol.”
Some help may come his way. Chrys Kelley, the state’s radon
coordinator, said $5,000 has been set aside to provide free test
kits to citizens and schools during the next grant cycle, which
begins Oct. 1.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0236 or
cary@gazette.com
MORE INFORMATION
COLORADO’S RADON REGULATION
Each school shall have completed radon tests by March 1, 1991.
Schools constructed after the effective date of these rules and
regulations shall complete radon tests within 19 months of the
date of occupancy. Schools remodeled after the effective date of
these rules and regulations shall notify the (state health)
department of such remodeling in order that the department may
assess the need for any additional radon testing. Radon tests
shall be conducted pursuant to the procedures described in the
Environmental Protection Agency’s “Radon Measurements in
Schools,” Revised Edition July 1993. The results of these tests
shall be on file at each school and available for review.
RADON DETAILS
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has been
linked to lung cancer. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium
in soil and rock and often seeps into buildings through cracks
in foundations. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends
that buildings with radon level above 4 pCi/L be fixed.
Copyright 2006, The Gazette, a division of Freedom Colorado
Information. All rights reserved.
*****************************************************************
55 The State: Burning MOX fuel beats burying it
08/28/2006
Posted on Mon, Aug. 28, 2006 email this print this
The Aug. 13 letter from Mary Kelly opposing the MOX plant at the
Savannah River Site was consistent with her decades-long
opposition to everything at SRS.
The disposal of surplus weapons-grade plutonium by burning it as
MOX fuel has been endorsed by the National Academy of Science and
many others. It is the right thing to do.
The anti-nuclear community thinks it would be better to simply
bury it at Yucca Mountain in high-level waste canisters, even
though they oppose opening that facility.
Burying it would create weapons-grade plutonium mines for the
future, which has nuclear weapons proliferation implications.
Kelly claimed Russia is not keeping up its end of the bargain.
Last month, Russia signed an agreement with the United States to
dispose of its 34 metric tons of plutonium in a fast reactor
rather than in low-enriched thermal reactors as we are planning
to do. The point is they are disposing of it.
Ms. Kellys concluding statement that this and other activities
at SRS are endangering us is, quite simply, nonsense. The
54-year record of safety at SRS is exemplary, and
well-documented.
Finally, she seems to think creating hundreds of high-paying
jobs for South Carolinians is a bad thing to do. We do not.
MAL MCKIBBEN
Executive Director
Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness
Aiken
*****************************************************************
56 A Newswire: California Proposes Rocket Fuel Safety Limit -
Four Times Tougher Than Federal Cleanup Standard
AS-perchlorate-calif
Mon Aug 28 15:39:05 2006 Pacific Time
OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 28 (AScribe Newswire) --
California's proposed drinking water standard for perchlorate is
another strong rebuke to the U.S. EPA's dangerously high cleanup
standard and failure to set a national drinking water standard
for the rocket fuel chemical that contaminates drinking water
supplies in 40 states, Environmental Working Group (EWG) said.
California health officials today proposed a maximum
contaminant level (MCL) of 6 parts per billion (ppb) for
perchlorate in drinking water. A public comment period ends Nov.
3.
Last month, Masschusetts adopted a drinking water standard and
waste-site cleanup standard of 2 ppb. But the EPA's cleanup
standard is 24 ppb, and federal action on drinking water
standards has been stalled by opposition from the Pentagon, which
is responsible for most of the contamination from military bases
and defense contractors. EPA's own Children's Health Protection
Advisory Committee has criticized the agency for assuming that
people are only exposed to perchlorate through drinking water,
when in fact tests by EWG, academic scientists and federal
researchers have found perchlorate in milk, lettuce and other
foods.
"The most significant thing here is not the difference
between Massachusetts and California, but that two states that
are leaders in public health have affirmed that perchlorate in
drinking water should be limited to the low parts per billion to
account for perchlorate exposure through food and water," said
Renee Sharp, an EWG senior scientist who has studied the rocket
fuel chemical since 2000. "To protect children, pregnant or
nursing mothers and other sensitive populations, EPA should act
promptly to set a similar national standard."
For EWG's extensive resources on perchlorate, including a
state-by-state database of known drinking water contamination,
go to
http://www.ewg.org/issues/siteindex/issues.php?issueid=5013 .
For the original CDHS press release, go to
http://www.applications.dhs.ca.gov/pressreleases/store/pressrelea
ses/ 06-62.html .
CONTACTS: Bill Walker or Renee Sharp, EWG, 510-444-0973
AScribe Newswire
*****************************************************************
57 DOE: New DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary to Lead the Global Nuclear
Energy Partnership
August 28, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary
for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon announced the appointment of
Dr. Paul Lisowski as Deputy Director of Advanced Nuclear Energy
Systems. As Deputy Director, Dr. Lisowski will lead the
day-to-day operations of the Department's Global Nuclear Energy
Partnership, a key element of the Presidents Advanced Energy
Initiative.
I am excited that Paul will be joining our team, Assistant
Secretary Spurgeon said. He brings a wealth of technical
knowledge and expertise, which will be vital as we move forward
with building new nuclear power plants under the Global Nuclear
Energy Partnership.
As Deputy Director of Nuclear Energy, Dr. Lisowski will take the
lead on planning and integration of advanced nuclear reactors,
fuel processing, and research and development in support of the
Global Energy Nuclear Partnership. Dr. Lisowski will also use
his expertise and leadership to expand the use of nuclear power,
minimize nuclear waste, demonstrate more proliferation-resistant
recycling, develop advanced burner reactors, and establish
reliable fuel services.
Most recently, Dr. Lisowski worked at Los Alamos National
Laboratory where he served for five years as the Director of Los
Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). While there, he was
responsible for science and technology development, safety,
maintenance and operation of the three national user facilities
and an isotope production facility. In this position, he was
responsible for the management of over 300 scientists, engineers
and operations staff and for the management of an annual
operating budget of up to $125 million.
Prior to that, Dr. Lisowski served as the National Director for
the Accelerator Production of Tritium Project. The National
Laboratory and industry team that he led were awarded the 2000
DOE Award for Excellence in Program and Project Management.
I am pleased to be part of this exciting GNEP initiative, Dr.
Lisowski said. I am confident that my past experience with
large multi-laboratory and industry teams will greatly
contribute to the success of GNEP.
Dr. Lisowski has a doctorate in nuclear physics from Duke
University, a masters degree in physics from the University of
Mississippi, and a bachelors degree in physics from the
University of Virginia. During his scientific career, Dr.
Lisowski published numerous articles in technical journals and
received a DOE Award for Excellence for his work in the
applications of nuclear science. Dr. Lisowski also holds a
patent in superconductor technology.
The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) seeks to develop
worldwide expanded use of economical, environmentally clean
nuclear energy to meet growing electricity demand, while
virtually eliminating the risk of nuclear proliferation. It
would achieve its goal by having nations with secure, advanced
nuclear capabilities provide fuel services fresh fuel and
recovery of used fuel to other nations who agree to employ
nuclear energy for power generation purposes only. The model
envisioned by this partnership requires development and
deployment of new and innovative technologies and a partnership
among governments and businesses around the world.
For more information about DOEs nuclear energy initiatives
please visit: .
Media contact(s): Craig Stevens, (202) 586-4940 [ ]
U.S. Department of Energy | 1000 Independence Ave., SW |
Washington, DC 20585 1-800-dial-DOE | f/202-586-4403
*****************************************************************
58 DOE: Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridge
FR Doc E6-14218
[Federal Register: August 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 166)]
[Notices] [Page 50902] From the Federal Register Online via GPO
Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr28au06-30]
Reservation AGENCY: Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of open meeting.
SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental
Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Oak Ridge
Reservation. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. No.
92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting
be announced in the Federal Register.
DATES: Wednesday, September 13, 2006, 6 p.m.
ADDRESSES: DOE Information Center, 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak
Ridge, Tennessee.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Halsey, Federal Coordinator,
Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box 2001,
EM-90, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Phone (865) 576-4025; Fax (865)
576-5333 or E- mail: halseypj@oro.doe.gov or check the Web site
at http://www.oakridge.doe.gov/em/ssab .
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Board: The purpose of
the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of
environmental restoration, waste management, and related
activities.
Tentative Agenda Proposed Activities for the U-233 Project at Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, Building 3019.
Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public.
Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or
after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements
pertaining to the agenda item should contact Pat Halsey at the
address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be
received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision
will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The
Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the
meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of
business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be
provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments.
Minutes: Minutes of this meeting will be available for public
review and copying at the Department of Energy's Information
Center at 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by writing to Pat Halsey,
Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box 2001,
EM-90, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, or by calling her at (865) 576-4025.
Issued at Washington, DC on August 21, 2006.
Carol Matthews, Acting Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-14218 Filed 8-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
*****************************************************************
59 Columbus Dispatch: Piketon worker wins his job back Retaliation alleged in several complaints
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Mary Beth Lane THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
An employee’s right to raise workplace-safety concerns without
facing retaliation has been upheld again at the former Piketon
uranium-enrichment plant in southern Ohio.
The U.S. Department of Labor ordered Enercon Services Inc., a
plant-cleanup subcontractor based in Tulsa, Okla., to rehire and
pay back wages and compensatory damages totaling nearly $70,000
to Phil Borris, a radiation-control worker who claimed he was
punished for whistle-blowing.
The July 28 order is on hold while Enercon appeals.
Borris is the latest worker at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion
Plant whose complaint has been upheld or settled out of court in
the past few years.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy fined Safety and
Ecology Corp., the subcontractor that preceded Enercon, $55,000
for firing radiation-control worker Susan Rice Gossett for
whistle-blowing.
Gossett was rehired and paid $250,000 in back wages and legal
fees in 2003, after the Department of Energy upheld her
complaint that Safety and Ecology, based in Knoxville, Tenn.,
had fired her after she reported numerous safety and health
concerns.
Borris and Gossett, both of Chillicothe, were among the
radiation-control workers who went to Washington in 2000 to
share their concerns with a top Department of Energy official
and with U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, a Lisbon Democrat whose
congressional district then included the plant. The workers’
complaints concerned the handling and storage of radioactive
materials at the plant.
Borris said it is no coincidence that he and Gossett were
harassed afterward. "There is a pattern of reprisals," he said.
Gossett agreed.
"My case showed that the pattern of hostility was due to my
reporting and questioning safety issues," she said.
Two other workers who accompanied them to Washington to report
safety concerns also faced difficulty afterward. Gossett’s
husband, Rodney, was fired in 2002 and rehired seven months
later after Safety and Ecology settled a whistleblower
retaliation complaint he filed.
Worker Mike Eversole wasn’t fired but said he faced harassment.
In 2002, he settled a whistleblower-retaliation complaint that
he filed against Bechtel Jacobs, the Oak Ridge, Tenn.-based
company that was then the managing contractor. The Waverly
resident now works for Lata/Parallax Portsmouth LLC, the current
managing contractor in charge of cleanup at the Department of
Energy plant.
The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, located about 70 miles
south of Columbus, enriched uranium for fuel rods used in
nuclear power plants until it closed in 2001. The remaining
workers are cleaning up decades of radioactive and chemical
contamination.
Department of Energy spokeswoman Laura Schachter responded to
questions with an e-mail.
"DOE acknowledges that there have been instances where its
contractors have violated the Whistleblower Protection Program
and is doing everything it can to eliminate the limited
frequency with which this occurs," she wrote, adding that the
department has a "zero tolerance policy" for any retaliation
against workers who raise safety concerns.
The department has taken action against contractors in
retaliation cases, Schachter wrote, noting last year’s $55,000
fine imposed on Safety and Ecology.
Safety and Ecology spokeswoman Anne Smith cited company policy
on employee privacy in declining to comment on the
whistle-blower workers.
Enercon President John Richardson cited the pending litigation
in refusing to comment.
The department found reasonable cause that the company violated
the employeeprotection provisions that Borris is supposed to be
guaranteed under federal law.
Among the findings cited in the order reinstating Borris: During
the hiring phase last year, an Enercon manager asked another
employee to apply for a radiological control technician position
and "stated that it would be doing him a favor if they would
take one of the positions so he would not have to hire
(Borris)."
"It was so blatantly obvious that even a Department of Labor in
the Bush administration got it right," Borris said. "It should
send a strong message that you can’t get away with this type of
activity."
mlane@dispatch.com
©2006, The Columbus Dispatch, Reproduction prohibited
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