U.S. to buy heavy water used in Iran nuke programApril 23, 2016 - 11:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. is buying 32 tonnes of heavy water, which is used in some nuclear reactors, from Iran, BBC News reports. The U.S. State Department said the $8.6m purchase was designed to help Iran meet its obligations under the nuclear deal signed last year. Officials said the heavy water, which can also be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium, would be resold for research purposes. The move has already attracted criticism from U.S. Republicans. Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, said it was "another unprecedented concession to the world's leading state-sponsor of terrorism". The heavy water will initially be stored at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee before being resold. Under the nuclear deal, Iran is allowed to use heavy water in its modified Arak nuclear reactor, but must sell any excess supply of both heavy water and enriched uranium on the international market. In a statement, the U.S. Energy Department said the U.S. would not automatically buy Iranian heavy water in the future, saying it was Iran's responsibility to find a way to meet its commitments. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was due to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to discuss Iranian concerns that sanctions relief promised under the deal has not materialised. The U.S. has ruled out giving Iran access to the U.S. financial system or direct access to dollars. Iran also remains under other U.S. sanctions over its alleged ballistic missile activity, support for violent organisations and human rights abuses. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |