MNA � AEOI Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Iran's membership in ITER megaproject has highly progressed, reaching to its final stages.

Pointing to the latest status of Iran�s membership in�International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) megaproject, Kamalvandi said �following mutual visits of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Head Ali Abar Salehi�and chairman and members of the ITER project and the signing of cooperation agreements, positive measures have been taken in this regard and Iran will soon join the project.�

In his remarks, Kamalvandi said Iran is supposed to be an associate member, not a full member to the ITER. �With an associate status, we will have access to classified information,� he said.

Kamalvandi also said Tehran is not willing to become a full member due to the high costs Iran is supposed to pay yearly for its full membership.

�Project defines for itself horizons well beyond 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050,� said Kamalvandi, implying the long-term nature of the plan.

Describing ITER as an executive, technical, and scientific project which demands extensive scientific activity, he went on to add, �Iran will cooperate to share its know-how, and in return, the Islamic Republic will benefit from technology and information shared, as well.�