From: CNN
In: Moscow
Posted 9-23-97

Subject: Gore says there's new information on Iran's nuclear aspirations

Vice President Al Gore said Tuesday that new intelligence information provides more details on Iran's efforts to gain ballistic missile and nuclear weapons technology.

But he would not disclose what the new information is.

After meeting with Russian officials, including President Boris Yeltsin, Gore said a new report exists which sheds more light on Iranian efforts.

"There is a vigorous effort by Iran to obtain the technology for building a ballistic missile and acquire nuclear weapons -- but that's not new," said Gore. "But this report adds new details to it. But the U.S. and Russia agreed not to divulge the information from this study because it includes intelligence information."

Gore has been meeting with Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin on a range of issues including preventing the spread of nuclear weapons technology.

The two announced that three Russian plants would stop producing weapons-grade plutonium and will be used to produce electrical power instead.

The United States has expressed apprehensions over a nuclear power plant that Russia is helping Iran to build, fearing the technology may be used to develop a nuclear bomb.

The Russian government has pledged not to help other nations acquire the technology to make nuclear weapons.

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Tuesday Sept. 23, 1997

• White House Placing Pressure On Reno
• Senate Committee Investigates IRS Practices
• Clinton: Congress Must Consider Campaign Reform
• Daschle Uses Maneuver To Shut Down Committee Meetings
• Fund-Raising Panel Changes Course

E-mail From Washington:
• Gore: U.S. Has New Information On Iran's Nuclear Aspirations
• Carey Says Hoffa Contributions Should Be Investigated