Iran Will Sign Key UN Nuclear Protocol

Bill Gasperini
Moscow
10 Nov 2003, 15:15 UTC

A senior Iranian official has told Russian President Vladimir Putin

that Iran will suspend its enrichment of uranium and sign a key U.N.
protocol. The announcement was made by Iran National Security
Council head Hasan Rowhani who is in Moscow on a two-day visit.

Hasan Rowhani made his announcement just before meeting

President Putin to discuss Russia's ongoing nuclear cooperation with
AP Iran.
Hasan Rowhani,
left, and Vladimir
He also pledged that Iran would sign a protocol in the Nuclear Non-
Putin
Proliferation Treaty that would allow for unannounced inspections of
its nuclear sites. The senior Iranian official said both actions will take effect immediately.

Mr. Rowhani and other Iranian officials have said they would comply with international
demands concerning its nuclear program. But the timetable had not been clear.

Mr. Putin responded by saying he was satisfied with Iran's action, and that he saw no more
obstacles for Russia to continue its cooperation with Tehran.

The United States has accused Iran of concealing a weapons program, and has called on
Moscow to halt the construction of a nuclear power plant that Iran says is purely for
peaceful purposes.

Russia suspended work on the plant earlier this year after Iran refused to agree that all spent
nuclear fuel used at the plant be returned to Russia for disposal. Mr. Putin ruled out halting
work on the $800 million project permanently, while urging Iran to reconsider its position.