US to review design, cooperate with China on Arak nuclear reactor

WASHINGTON, Nov 23 (KUNA) -- The US will be providing technical support and review of an updated design of Arak nuclear reactor in Iran, under guidelines of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed by the Islamic Republic P5+1 over summer.
In a statement released Monday, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner welcomed the release of the document which outlines the expected roles of the signatories to the JCPOA when it comes to the Arak facility.
This action "is one of many that Iran is completing before Implementation Day," which is expected in 2016 once the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verifies that Iran has met the requirements of the deal, Toner said.
"In this document, the United States has committed to provide technical support and review of the modernized reactor design, as well as analysis of fuel design and safety standards - consistent with national laws - to ensure it addresses our proliferation concerns and conforms with the design set forth in the JCPOA," he said. "In addition, the United States will co-chair with China a Working Group on the Arak project." (end) ys.bs