Iran: Main fueling of Bushehr N. Reactor’s heart in 2nd week of Oct

Tehran, Oct 5, IRNA – Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said here Monday that the main fueling of Bushehr Nuclear Reactor is scheduled for 2nd week of October.

Speaking to IRNA in an exclusive interview, Ali-Akbar Salehi said, “The heart of the reactor is now cleansed and it beats perfectly sound.”

In response to a question on the occurred delay in main fueling of the reactor’s heart, the Atomic Energy Organization chief reiterated, “Before the main fueling of the rector its heart needs to be cleansed and than the process of physical interactions begins that includes certain tests, which are now conducted.”

Salehi said, “While cleansing a very small leak was observed in the side pool of the reactor, which was sealed, and that led to the few day delay of the activities.”

Salehi added, “15 prop fuel rods have been launched and then taken out of the reactor’s heart, after making sure that it functions perfectly well.”

IRNA asked whether the week long delay in putting the reactor to actual use had anything to do with the Stoxnet virus. Salehi replied, “It had nothing to do with that virus.”/end