Incorrect Report by Islamic Republic News Agency Regarding Inspection of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant - 2002-08-17

The spokesperson for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) states that the agency's representative did not inspect the Bushehr nuclear power plant during their visit to Iran, and that their presence was merely a visit. More details are provided in a report by Mahtab Farid, a journalist from the Persian section of Voice of America. According to IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency), Shamin Chadouri, who is introduced by this news agency as the head of the Technical Cooperation Department at the IAEA, inspected the Bushehr nuclear power plant to investigate its compliance with international regulations regarding the operation of nuclear energy and safety standards. However, Melissa Fleming, the spokesperson for the IAEA, states that this report is incorrect, and that no inspection took place; rather, it was a visit where a technical officer discussed ongoing and future projects, which are not necessarily related to the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Nevertheless, Ms. Fleming mentioned that she is not aware of any instances indicating that Iran has not complied with the IAEA's regulations and standards. She believes that what can instill global confidence in the Bushehr nuclear project is its adherence to the IAEA's safety standards, but this implies that the plant must be regularly inspected by agency inspectors. The IAEA spokesperson stated that in that case, they would be aware of the location of all nuclear materials and could monitor any actions regarding the transfer or allocation of these materials for other purposes, including military ones. Ms. Fleming also mentioned that what they have requested from the Iranian government, similar to what other governments around the world do, is a supplementary protocol regarding additional safety standards that would provide them with greater access to Iran and allow them to confidently ensure that there is no secret nuclear program being pursued elsewhere in the country. In response to the question of whether Iran could build a nuclear weapon through the Bushehr nuclear project, she stated that this is a question her organization cannot answer. She pointed out the complexities involved in this area, stating that certainly nuclear countries cannot easily use their nuclear power plants to produce nuclear weapons. However, at the same time, obtaining plutonium from nuclear fuel is not impossible. This is why the IAEA wants to track all nuclear materials and power plants to ensure they are not used for non-peaceful purposes.