The Ordinary Life

Monday, February 27, 2006

EU Grants Palestinians $143 Million in Aid

By ROBERT WIELAARD

BRUSSELS, Belgium Feb 27, 2006 (AP)— The European Union agreed Monday to grant $143 million in urgent aid to the Palestinians before a government led by the Islamic militant group Hamas takes power, a move aimed at preventing a financial collapse that could add to the chaos in the Middle East.

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U.S. skeptical of Iran-Russia nuclear deal

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States on Monday expressed doubt that Iran had reached an agreement with Russia on a proposed joint venture to enrich uranium in Russia.

"We'll see, but given their history you can understand why we remain skeptical," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said of Iran at a news briefing.

"We'll see what happens with the discussions with Russia but our concerns are very well known," McClellan said.

Iranian Vice President Gholamreza Aghazadeh, who is also the country's nuclear chief, said on Sunday Iran and Russia have agreed in principle on setting up a uranium enrichment joint venture and negotiations on the issue will continue.

Urging Iran to suspend all enrichment activities as required by the International Atomic Energy Agency, McClellan reiterated the United States is concerned "about Iran pursuing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. "

Russia proposed in last December that the two countries establish a joint venture in Russia to enrich uranium for Iran. Tehran termed the offer as incomplete but not negative, expressing determination to enrich uranium on the Iranian soil.

The US accuses Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons, which Iran vehemently denies. Enditem

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