By empty (3/10/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The White House rejected Iran\'s contention that its nuclear program is strictly for energy production and expressed deep concern about Tehran\'s alleged effort to develop atomic weapons. The administration has long expressed the view that Iran was working on nuclear weapons technology, but new reports suggest the country is moving closer to the goal than international authorities had believed. \"Iran now openly says that it is pursuing the complete nuclear fuel cycle,\" White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said, referring to the process of exploring for and mining uranium, the raw material needed for nuclear reactors; enriching the uranium; and waste management.

By empty (3/10/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Steven Mann, special adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State on Caspian Sea energy issues, met with Kazakhstan\'s Foreign Minister Qasymzhomart Toqaev on 10 March in Astana to discuss Kazakhstan\'s role in the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and other energy-related issues.

By empty (3/10/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov arrived in Iran Monday on a trip aimed at bolstering his central Asian nation\'s relations with Iran, state-run Tehran radio reported. Niyazov, on a two-day state visit, held talks with Iranian counterpart Mohammad Khatami immediately after his colorful arrival ceremony at Saadabad Palace in northern Tehran, the radio reported. \"Tehran welcomes the expansion of ties with its neighbors based on mutual respect, safeguarding common interests and promotion of cooperation,\" Khatami told Niyazov.