An article entitled "Iran Begins Loading Fuel at Nuclear Reactor" was published recently in the New York Times. The author reports that Iran on Tuesday celebrated the start of the process of loading 163 fuel rods into the core of its first nuclear power plant reactor, putting it within months of operation. The Busher reactor, cast by Tehran as a showcase of its peaceful nuclear intentions, is separate from other more contentious operations elsewhere in the country where Iran is seeking to enrich uranium. But the timing is delicate in diplomatic terms, as tighter sanctions are being put in place against Iran by the United Nations Security Council, the United States and the European Union.
The same theme is touched upon in the article entitled "Iran begins fuelling nuclear reactor" that was published today in the Los Angeles Times. The author stresses the point that Iranian officials insist that their program is meant only for civilian purposes and accuse the West of using the issue as part of a broader ideological war against the Islamic Republic. In the same time he admits that Western officials worry that a successful launch of the reactor could encourage Iran to shrug off international sanctions meant to isolate it over its nuclear program.
Another article published recently in the New York Times and entitled "Turkey Steps Out" is devoted to the Turkish foreign policy and the personal role of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Ahmet Davutoglu. "Davutogluism is a mouthful" claims the author. Ahmet Davutoglu is seen as the man behind Turkey's "turning East," as Iran's friend, as Israel's foe, as a fickle NATO ally wary of a proposed new missile shield, and as the wily architect of Turkey's new darling status with Arab states.
The Washington Post has published an article according to which an Armenian archaeologist says that scientists have discovered a skirt that could be 5,900-year-old. Pavel Avetisian, the head of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography in Yerevan, said a fragment of skirt made of reed was found during recent digging in the Areni-1 cave in south-eastern Armenia. Avetisian told Tuesday's news conference in the Armenian capital that the find could be one of the world's oldest piece of reed clothing.
Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi says Tehran's diplomatic ties with different countries are a proof of the inefficiency of sanctions against the Islamic Republic, Press TV reports. "During years after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, enemies attempted to impose sanctions against Iran, but their sanctions have never been successful," said Rahimi.
According to the Hurriyet news agency, Turkey is moving to deepen China ties. With China rising as a world power, Turkey has intensified its efforts to increase dialogue, sending its foreign minister to the Asian nation for a week-long trip just three weeks after receiving the Chinese prime minister. The Turkish foreign minister will set out for China late Wednesday, after attending the National Security Council meeting in Ankara.
Fredrik Dahl in the article «Should the West worry about Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant?» published by Reuters expresses an opinion that Bushehr“s reactor will not bring Iran any closer to developing an atom bomb. Russia's role in supplying the fuel and operating the plant and inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog would prevent any diversion of material for military purposes, believes the author.
