Iran plans to build second nuclear plant

IRAN plans to construct a second nuclear power plant despite international concern over its nuclear programme, state television reported yesterday.

The broadcast said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and cabinet ministers decided Sunday night to build the reactor in Khuzistan province, south-western Iran.

Previously Iran had said it would build a second power plant at Bushehr, where its first nuclear reactor is due to begin generating electricity in 2006.

Khuzistan province was the site of a French-built power plant that began in the mid-1970s and was stopped after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The Iranian parliament is seeking the construction of 20 nuclear power plants.

Russia, which built the Bushehr reactor, has offered to build more nuclear plants in Iran.

Iran is under intense pressure to curb its nuclear program, which the US claims is part of an effort to produce weapons. Iran says its program is limited to generating electricity.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned Iran that its nuclear programme could be referred to the UN Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.

On Saturday, Iran approved a bill that would block international inspections of its nuclear sites if it were referred to the Security Council.

The step strengthens the government’s hand in resisting international pressure to permanently abandon uranium enrichment.