Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi says the Islamic Republic is prepared to establish a regional nuclear safety convention.

Salehi made the remarks on Saturday after inking a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iranian Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment Massoumeh Ebtekar with the aim of bolstering cooperation on environmental issues.

Given certain Persian Gulf states are now engaged in peaceful nuclear activities, Iran is prepared to establish a regional safety convention monitoring the nuclear facilities in the region, Salehi added.

The AEOI chief further pointed to the MoU with Iran’s Department of Environment, saying the two organizations have agreed to broaden their cooperation on efforts to protect the environment against the negative impacts of radiation and nuclear activities.

Ebtekar, in turn, said the new MoU shows that Iran’s peaceful nuclear work is compatible with environmental standards.

“We have a national strategy to develop nuclear technologies,” Ebtekar said, stressing, however, that the country’s nuclear activities must live up to strict environmental principles aimed at preventing air, water and soil pollution.

News ID 187539