TEHRAN The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has officially joined the world's Nuclear News Agency since early this month and became its 43rd member, an informed source said yesterday. Nuclear News Agency, operated by the European Nuclear Society (ENS), is based in Bern, Switzerland. The source talking to the TEHRAN TIMES said, The AEOI will represent Iran as a member of the Nuclear News Agency that is popularly known as NucNet. He said Mohammad Saidi will cover Iran's nuclear-related developments for the NucNet. Saidi is currently heading the International Department of the AEOI. NucNet now has 43 members.

Armenia, Cuba and Morocco had joined NucNet last year. It is officially represented by every nation with a nuclear power program or prospective programme. The only exception is China, whose membership is still pending. Iran does not have an operating nuclear power station, but is determined to have one after the construction of Bushehr Nuclear Plant which has been mostly built with the Russian technical assistance, NucNet reported.

Russia has recently reaffirmed its support for completing construction of the first two units at Bushehr, despite concerted political opposition of the project from the U.S. According to NucNet Russia and Iran have agreed in principle to the construction of two more blocks at the Bushehr site.