Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Major Powers Decline Iran's Invitation to View Nuclear Sites

   VOA News  15 January 2011
   Exterior  of  the  Arak heavy water production facility in Arak, Iran,
   360 kms southwest of Tehran (2004 file photo)

Photo: AP

   Exterior  of  the  Arak heavy water production facility in Arak, Iran,
   360 kms southwest of Tehran (2004 file photo)

   Several   international   envoys  are  set  to  tour  Iranian  nuclear
   facilities,  but  key powers have declined Tehran's invitation to take
   part.
   Diplomats   say   China,   Russia  and  the  European  Union  are  not
   participating  in  the  tour  on  Saturday  and Sunday.   The United
   States was not invited.
   The   EU   declined   the   invitation,  saying  inspectors  from  the
   International Atomic Energy Agency are the ones who should have access
   to the Iran's nuclear sites.
   Authorities say at least five countries - Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, Syria,
   and Venezuela - have accepted the invitation.
   Iran's  unusual  invitation  comes ahead of a round of talks in Turkey
   next  week  about  Tehran's  atomic program.  Britain, China, France,
   Russia, the U.S., and Germany will meet with Iran in Istanbul.
   Western  powers  suspect  Iran  wants  to  use  its uranium enrichment
   activities  to  build  a nuclear bomb.  Tehran has denied the charge,
   insisting its program is a peaceful effort to produce nuclear energy.

.