The roles of participants in a project to redesign the Arak heavy water reactor, which also negotiated the July 14 nuclear deal, were defined in a recently finalized official document.
The document provides a framework for cooperation on the Arak modernization project as part of the commitments Iran made with regard to its nuclear program under the accord with P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany) in return for sanctions relief.
According to the document, Iran will assume the leadership role as the owner and manager of the project and will be responsible for "development of a schedule and [the project's] overall implementation."
A working group will be established under a memorandum of understanding among P5+1, following consultations with Iran, to support the project, IRNA reported.
Members of the group will be required to undertake certain responsibilities.
China will participate in the redesign and reconstruction of the reactor, while the United States will provide technical support and review of the modernized reactor design as well as analysis of fuel design and safety standards. The two powers will co-chair the working group.
France will participate in design review, supply of equipment based on commercial arrangements and handling of spent fuel through commercial arrangements.
The United Kingdom will participate in design review, training on safety and security and supply of equipment based on commercial arrangements.
Germany will participate in design review, the feasibility study and supply of equipment based on commercial arrangements.
Russia will provide consultative services, based on the availability of the expertise and upon the request of co-chairs of the working group.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, as the coordinator of the Joint Commission, will facilitate the approval of relevant designs, and if needed, of relevant equipment exports for the modernization project.
The Joint Commission has been formed in compliance with the nuclear pact to monitor it and address issues arising from its implementation.
