Iran may agree to sign a document compelling Tehran to send enriched uranium to Russia for processing, a move that would delay its ongoing process of building a nuclear bomb. Unofficial responses from experts in Israel signal the signing of such a document is simply meaningless, and it will not result in any major change – and Iran will continue forging ahead towards nuclear independence.

Russia, US, France and Iran seem to have accepted the draft agreement, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei reported. The draft document is the result of a number of days of negotiations in Vienna as the international community continues to ignore realities, the need to bring Iran to its knees or deal with a most unstable nuclear reality in the Mideast.

Officials in Jerusalem also pointed out that this does not mark the first time Iran has committed to send the enriched uranium to Russia, and in the past, Tehran did not fulfill its commitment. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai on the other hand expressed satisfaction, announcing from his perspective, the pressure exerted by the international community it working and as such, the pressure must continue towards achieving the desired goals. The responses from Jerusalem are divided, with some expressing satisfaction over the draft document while others fear it will only serve to place fears at bay regarding Iran’s ongoing nuclear efforts.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner released a stern statement, announcing his country does not plan to back down and he insists that Iran comply by year’s end, adding the shipment heading for Russia must be a minimum of 1,200kg of enriched uranium, thereby sending most of its supply to Russia and placing the manufacture of an atom bomb on hold.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)