国际英语新闻：Attacking nuclear plants is "crime": Iran atomic chief

TEHRAN, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Amid concerns of threats to its Bushehr power plant, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization of Iran ( AEOI) Head Ali-Akbar Salehi warned Tuesday that attacking nuclear plants is an "international crime," the local satellite Press TV reported.

Salehi said when the fuel is loaded into the reactor, the facility will practically turn into a power plant which will be subject to international rules and protocols, the report said.

The Russia-built Bushehr power plant, Iran's first nuclear power plant, is expected to start operation on Aug. 21. Iran is concerned about the U.S. and Israeli attacks on the nuclear establishments as Iran persisted on following the sensitive atomic program.

Under international regulations, attacking nuclear power stations is regarded as an "international crime" since the consequences of such a strike will not be limited to the country where the plant is located, but will be global, he said, citing resolutions passed by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the UN Security Council as well as the resolution adopted at the closing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.

Besides, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday that any aggression against the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be followed by a serious reaction.

"We believe that such kinds of threats are only in words and it is not possible for the Zionist regime (of Israel) to do such a dangerous action," Mehmanparast said at his weekly press briefing.

Salehi thanked Russians for their cooperation in launching the Bushehr nuclear plant.