Behrouz Kamalvandi, Deputy Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) for International, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, told reporters that, according to predefined mechanisms, Iran will lead the project to redesign Arak reactor with China and America as partners.
Pointing to the negotiations held with Chinese and American sides, the official said a major issue, which took a considerable amount of time, was to finalize and ink a contract with China which was fortunately accomplished.
On redesigning of Arak reactor, he said the first stage comprised basic designing which was carried out by Iranian engineered and a contract was immediately signed afterwards with the Chinese side in Vienna.
All the tasks carried out over the past year will be reviewed within 6-8 months and the results will be announced before launching the comprehensive design phase which requires a year of time, he continued.
AEOI spokesman went on to note that the executive phase will follow the comprehensive design one emphasizing that the project was not lagging behind.
On talks with Kazakhstan for purchase of yellowcake, Kamalvandi said the Central Asian country was a major supplier of uranium and confirmations had been received by the 5+1 group of countries for buying yellowcake from Kazakhs. Nevertheless, following US presidential elections, Britain withdrew from their earlier position and banned the process.“Foreign Ministry is conducting negotiations in this regard and supply of yellowcake remains high on agenda of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI),” he underlined.The official said efforts were being made to boost reserves of yellowcake inside the country; “Kazakhs see no limitations for supply of the product and they are waiting for the procedures to be finalized.”
“We have frequent communications with various Asian and European countries and certain contracts have been inked with a number of firms and countries in Europe for nuclear collaborations,” he concluded.
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