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Bushehr reactor. Serious damage
Photo: Reuters
Salehi, Refuses additional delays
Photo: AFP

Report: Russia warns of 'Iranian Chernobyl'

Scientists providing technical assistance to Bushehr nuclear reactor urge Kremlin to postpone complex's activation due to damage caused by mysterious Stuxnet virus, accuse Iranian team of 'disregard for human life'

Russian nuclear scientists providing technical assistance to the Iranian reactor in Bushehr have called on the Kremlin to postpone the complex's activation for fear of "another Chernobyl", the Daily Telegraph reported Sunday.

 

The scientists raised serious concerns over the extensive damage caused to the plant's computer systems by the mysterious Stuxnet virus.

 

In October, Russian technicians began loading fuel rods into the nuclear power plant, which is slated to start supplying electricity this summer.

 

According to the Daily Telegraph, the scientists working at the plant have become so concerned by Iran's apparent disregard for nuclear safety issues that they have lobbied the Kremlin directly to postpone activation until at least the end of the year, so that a proper assessment can be made of the damage caused to its computer operations by Stuxnet.

 

The New York Times reported Sunday that the Stuxnet virus had been developed by the United States and Israel at the Dimona reactor in southern Israel.


 

Chernobyl power plant. Major ecological disaster (Archive photo: Reuters)

 

In a letter to the Kremlin, the Russian scientists concluded that, despite "performing simple, basic tests" on the Bushehr reactor, the team "cannot guarantee safe activation of the reactor".

 

They also accused the Iranian management team, which is under intense political pressure to stick to the deadline to activate the complex this summer, of "not exhibiting the professional and moral responsibility" that is normally required.

 

The scientists accused the Iranians of having "disregard for human life" and warn that Russia could find itself blamed for "another Chernobyl" if it allows Bushehr to go ahead.

 

The Chernobyl disaster took place in April 1986 at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine and was considered one of the worst ecological disasters in history. An explosion and fire in the facility sent a plume of radioactive fallout into the atmosphere and over an extensive area.

 

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, who also serves as head of the country's Atomic Energy Organization, rejected suggestions earlier this month that the Bushehr opening schedule should be postponed.

 

"All the rumors related to the Westerners' claims that Stuxnet had caused damage to the nuclear plants are rejected," he said. According to the Daily Telegraph, after decades of delays over the plant, Iran's leaders are arguing that any delay would be a blow to Iran's international prestige.

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.17.11, 07:37
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