Potential Dangers of Nuclear Reactors in Bushehr - 2002-08-05

Henry Sokolski, the executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, discusses the potential dangers of the nuclear reactors in Bushehr, stating that the reactors have the capability to produce nuclear weapons. It is too late to stop this project. The Bushehr project began about twenty years ago, and the Russians have trained Iranians in all nuclear matters for over a decade. President Bush is absolutely right in saying that we need a government in Iran that is not seeking nuclear weapons. I asked Mr. Sokolski whether the Iranian government complies with international treaties such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, claiming that it uses nuclear reactors for peaceful purposes. He responded that Iraq and North Korea were also signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty but violated it, and what concerns us about Iran is its covert operations. He gave an example stating that this power plant could potentially produce sixty bombs within twelve to fifteen months, after which they could expel weapons inspectors like North Korea and Iraq did. Mr. Sokolski did not provide a specific case or example of Iran's non-compliance with international treaties but stated that based on the statements of Iranian leaders, they clearly seek to acquire nuclear weapons. Furthermore, they support the extremist group Hezbollah. American officials have repeatedly expressed concern over Iran's potential acquisition of nuclear weapons.