EU condemns Iran nuclear upgrade decision as 'clear violation'

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Union voiced "serious concern" Friday over Iran's decision to install more modern equipment at its Natanz nuclear plant, saying it would be in "clear violation" of its international obligations.

"We have learned with serious concern that Iran has informed the IAEA about its intention to install advanced centrifuges of the type IR2m at the Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz," said a spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

Their installation could significantly increase the production of enriched material, she said.

This would "add to the already severe concerns of the international community about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme" and would be "in clear violation of Iran's international obligations to suspend all enrichment and enrichment related activities." "We urge Iran to fully comply with its international obligations," the EU spokeswoman said.