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Iran Digs in Heels on Nuclear Centrifuges at Vienna Talks

IN THIS ISSUE: Iran digs in heels on nuclear centrifuges, conflict in Iraq adds new angle to US-Iran talks, Arihant not prepared for sea trials, Tepco's Fukushima ice wall runs into glitch, China to accelerate nuclear power development, French energy law to lower nuclear-energy reliance, Royal says.

Published on June 19, 2014

Iran Digs in Heels on Nuclear Centrifuges at Vienna Talks

Louis Charbonneau and Parisa Hafezi | Reuters

Iran is refusing to significantly cut the number of centrifuges it intends to keep to produce nuclear fuel, making it hard to imagine a compromise at this week's talks with six powers, Western and Iranian officials said on Wednesday. Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome, six-power diplomats said, is Iran's stance regarding its uranium-enrichment centrifuges, which one negotiator described as a "huge problem."

Conflict in Iraq Adds New Angle to U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks

David E. Sanger | New York Times

The Iranian leadership had a message for Washington on Wednesday: If President Obama really wants some cooperation on stabilizing Iraq, he might first think about speeding forward with a permanent deal over Iran’s nuclear capability.

Contrary to Claims, Arihant Not Prepared For Sea Trials

N C Bipindra | New Indian Express

Contrary to claims, India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant is still not ready for sea trails, a stage critical for testing the vessel’s systems and weapons before it can be commissioned into the Navy.

Tepco's Ice Wall Runs Into Glitch at Fukushima No. 1

Japan Times

Tokyo Electric Power Co. says the refrigerated ice wall being built to slow the movement of water beneath damaged reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant isn’t working as expected.

China to Accelerate Nuclear Power Development

Xinhua

"By adopting top international standards and ensuring safety, China should lose no time in constructing nuclear power projects in eastern coastal regions," President Xi Jinping said at a meeting of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs on Friday.

French Energy Law to Lower Nuclear-Energy Reliance, Royal Says

Tara Patel | Bloomberg News

"France won't get out of nuclear," French Energy Minister Segolene Royal said at a press conference. The law will seek to "find a balance" between EDF's operations and the government's goal to diversify the country's energy mix.

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