Jordan will start operating a small nuclear power reactor in early 2002 for scientific research and other non-military purposes, Jordan's energy minister was quoted Sunday as saying.
"The energy ministry, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), began construction in 2000" of the reactor in Amman's northern suburbs, "which will be operational in 2002," said Energy Minister Wael Sabri, cited by the independent al-Arab al-Youm newspaper.
The 1.7 million-dollar reactor, financed by the IAEA, will have a capacity of 27 kilowatts, Sabri said.
Jordan decided in June to create a government agency charged with setting up the reactor.
Amman has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which bars the building of atomic weapons -- AMMAN (AFP)
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