BBC News
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Iran’s government has approved plans to build 10 new uranium enrichment plants, according to state media.
The government told the Iranian nuclear agency to begin work on five sites, with five more to be located over the next two months.
It comes days after the UN nuclear watchdog rebuked Iran for covering up a uranium enrichment plant.
The White House said the move was “yet another serious violation of Iran’s clear obligations”.
Meanwhile, Britain described the news as “a matter of serious concern” and potentially a “deliberate breach” of UN resolutions.
Western powers say Iran is trying to develop nuclear arms. Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful.
The country insists it is only doing what is allowed under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
But a UK Foreign Office spokesman said: “Reports that Iran is considering building more enrichment facilities are clearly a matter of serious concern.
“It would be a deliberate breach of five UN security council resolutions. We will need to consider our response.”
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement: “If true, this would be yet another serious violation of Iran’s clear obligations under multiple UN Security Council resolutions and another example of Iran choosing to isolate itself.
“Time is running out for Iran to address the international community’s growing concerns about its nuclear programme.”
The article continues at BBC News.
