'Iran begins injecting uranium into Bushehr reactor core'

First of 163 nuclear fuel rods placed in reactor, plant to begin generating electricity in early 2011, Press TV reports.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Bushehr Reactor 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
Bushehr Reactor 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
Iranian authorities have began injecting uranium fuel rods into the core of the country's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday, Iranian Press TV reported.
According to the report, the nuclear plant will become operational once all 163 fuel rods have been injected into the plant's core, and it should begin generating electricity in early 2011.
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Earlier on Monday, an Iranian lawmaker declared Iran's intent to continue with its nuclear program despite international concern.
"Despite all efforts and policies of America and the European Union to put sanctions on Iran, the fuel of the Bushehr power plant will be loaded into its core tomorrow," Iranian MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi was quoted as saying by official media.
Boroujerdi is the head of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee.
News agencies in Iran also stated that celebrations would be held to mark Tuesday's event.