Iran Votes to Resume Nuclear Work

The hard-line Iranian Parliament unanimously approved a bill on Sunday supporting the resumption of uranium enrichment. The vote comes as talks with European countries over Iran's nuclear activities have so far failed to produce an agreement. The measure was supported by all 247 lawmakers who were present in the 290-member body, with some chanting "Death to America" and "God is great." The session was carried live on the national radio. The bill requires the government "to make use of scientists and the country's facilities'' to "enable the country to master peaceful nuclear technology, including the nuclear fuel cycle," ISNA, a news agency, reported. Iran contends that its nuclear program is entirely for peaceful purposes. The United States contends that it could be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' monitoring agency, has called on Iran to give up its enrichment program before Nov. 25 or its case will be sent to the Security Council, where Iran could face the imposition of penalties. Germany, Britain and France have taken the lead in trying to negotiate with Iran to persuade it to suspend its nuclear activities. [more]