Iran invites UN inspectors to Arak heavy water reactor summary

by Bahareh Shirzad

For the first time in two years Iran has invited the nuclear watchdog agency, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), too visit the Arak heavy water plant. Outsiders are unsure of what the plants capabilities are. The scheduled Dec. 8^th visit should shed more light on the plant.

                This visit comes in wake of recent agreements made in Geneva between, Iran, The U.S., Russia, Germany, UK, France and China, to work out differences over Iran’s nuclear program. The agreements included Iran reducing its nuclear advances for 6 months in exchange for reductions on the nation’s sanctions, which have damaged Iran’s economy. The IAEA will try to determine if Iran is fulfilling its part of the deal.

                The increase on the IAEA’s responsibilities means it will likely need to find ways to expand its operations. The director general, Yukiya Amano, told the board the expansions will require more funding and staffers. Amano told the board he will consult them after analyzing the situation, but stated this will take a significant amount of man power and money, which he does not believe the IAEA can cover with their budget.

                Many western nations believe Iran is developing nuclear weapon technology that could lead to the construction of an atomic bomb. Iran has continued to deny these charges stating their nuclear program is strictly for peaceful and medical purposes.

Source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/131128/iran-invites-un-inspectors-arak-heavy-water-reactor