IRAN
Deal Closer: Iran Concedes on ‘Right’ to Enrich
George Jahn, Associated Press – November 19, 2013
Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has hinted that Iran may be willing to part with its demands that its “right” to enrich uranium be recognized. Zarif said that enrichment remains nonnegotiable but did concede that it is not necessary for this to be seen as a right. This “right” was previously a sticking point between Iran and the U.S. which refused to recognize such a thing.
Kerry presses Iran to prove its nuclear program peaceful
Lesley Wroughton, Reuters – November 18, 2013
Secretary of State John Kerry has commented that he has no expectations going into P5+1 talks this week. He did, however, urge Iran to finalize an agreement that would prove its nuclear program is peaceful. He also added that the U.S. “will negotiate in good faith and we will try to get a first-step agreement.”
Sanctions stay unless Iran renounces nuclear arms: Hollande
AFP – November 18, 2013
French President Francois Hollande has announced that sanctions will remain in place so long as France remains unconvinced that Iran’s nuclear program is not for military purposes. The speech, made in Israel on Monday, comes just days after the new IAEA report showed that progress on Iran’s nuclear program has all but halted.
SYRIA
Belgian Refusal May Force Relook at Syrian Chemical-Destruction Plans
Global Security Newswire – November 18, 2013
Belgium has now added its name to the list of countries that have refused to participate in the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons. Belgian Defense Minister Pieter De Crem joined other European nations in questioning if transporting the stockpile out of the country for destruction is really the best option. Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans argued that it would, perhaps, be easier to move the equipment to the chemical weapons rather than the alternative of moving the weapons to destruction facilities.
BUDGET
Cook: Govt. Shutdown cost NNSA’s defense programs $330M
Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel– November 14, 2013
Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, Don Cook, has reported that the government shutdown cost the agency $330 million. Cook said that he ordered the Y-12 and Pantex nuclear complexes shutdown earlier than was necessary to ensure the safety and security of the nuclear assets stored at these facilities before funding ran out.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Australia Backs India’s Entry into Nuclear-Export Controls Body
Global Security Newswire – November 19, 2013
Australia has given support to India to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The group, which exists to limit exports of nuclear materials to only those that cannot be repurposed for military uses, has in the past blocked India’s admission because of India’s nuclear program. The U.S., U.K., Russia and France have also given their support to India joining the group.
Hagel Scolds Strategic Command for Recent Behavior Lapses
Global Security Newswire – November 18, 2013
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has demanded that perfection be the standard for Strategic Command and criticized behavior problems from several top officers. These comments come after Major General Michael Carey was fired for embarrassing behavior while consuming alcohol and Navy Vice Admiral Tim Giardina was demoted and transferred for using fake chips to gamble in a casino. Hagel reminded Strategic Command personnel that their chosen profession has no room for error and that the American people trust them with their security.
