Iran Courting Foreign Participation In Nuclear Program

Russia is helping Iran build this nuclear-power plant at Bushehr (file photo) (AFP) 24 October 2005 -- Iran has reportedly taken steps to allow foreign countries and companies to take part in its nuclear program.

State-run television said the cabinet -- headed by hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad -- had approved a rule that fixes the method of involvement by foreign companies and countries. It did not elaborate.

Ahmadinejad has said that allowing foreign countries and companies to participate in Iran's nuclear program would assure the world the program is for peaceful purposes only. Washington accuses Iran of using the program to develop nuclear weapons.

(AP)