Iran says won’t close Fordow nuke site in exchange for sanction reliefFebruary 18, 2013 - 12:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A prominent Iranian lawmaker has said his country will never close the Fordow nuclear site in exchange for an ease in Western sanctions, Belfast Telegraph reported. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the influential parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, said Fordo is a "centre that will never be closed", according to a report by the semi-official ISNA news agency. Fordow, south-west of Tehran, is producing uranium enriched to 20%, which can be turned into weapons-grade material. Boroujerdi said closing the centre, a long-standing demand by the West, would mean support to Israel, Iran's arch-enemy. The remarks came 10 days before another round of nuclear talks between Iran and the West, which have been stalled since May. The West suspects Iran is pursuing a weapons programme, a charge which has been denied. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |