INTERVIEW-U.S. sees no need for more Iranian nuclear plants
08 Feb 2008 18:38:40 GMT Source: Reuters
(Adds quotes, details, background) WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The United States sees no need "at all" for Iran to build additional nuclear power plants, U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns told Reuters on Friday. "We would not see any need for Iran to build additional nuclear power plants. Not at all," Burns said in an interview when asked about a report quoting Iran's ambassador to Russia as saying Tehran was building a second atomic power plant. Burns also said Iran's rocket launch test on Monday and media reports this week that it has begun testing an advanced centrifuge were "deeply disturbing" and strengthened the argument for quick passage of a third U.N. Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Tehran for its nuclear work. The Council has demanded that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment activities, which can produce fuel for a nuclear weapon or for power plants. Western powers suspect Iran is seeking to produce an atomic bomb. Tehran has said its nuclear program is to generate power so it can export more oil. "With these revelations about a rocket launch, with this press speculation -- which Iran has to answer -- about advanced centrifuge (research), these are deeply disturbing," Burns said. "They point to a possible escalation, by the Iranians, of their violation of the Security Council resolutions. "And so therefore, it seems to us, that the proper response here would be a third sanctions resolution, and that resolution is on the table in New York," he added. (Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell)
Iranian protestors participate in an anti-Iran demonstration near the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin January 22, 2008. World powers played down prospects for a deal on new sanctions against Iran ahead ...
