1. IRAN SAYS BUILDING MORE REACTORS…Tehran says it is building more nuclear reactors. It claims Russia has signed a contract to construct at least two more reactors. Russia has so far denied it has agreed to build reactors in addition to that nearing completion in Bushehr. Iran’s first reactor is scheduled to enter service in 2006, three years later than originally planned. This week, for the first time, photos of Bushehr have been published in the Western media. So far Iran is denying that it intends using the facility to produce nuclear weapons, but The Media Line analysts note Tehran has been less than willing to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
2. EGYPT HALTS PALESTINIAN-FACTION TALKS…Cairo has called a temporary halt to the talks it is chairing between the various Palestinian political and terrorist organizations. Reports from Egypt and the Palestinians suggest the Egyptians are waiting for decisive action from Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat to end the ongoing disunity in his authority.
3. GROWING SIGNS OF REBELLION IN LABOR…Top members of Israel’s main opposition Labor Party held two rallies on Sunday against party leader Shimon Peres. The 81-year-old Peres has angered party members by saying he intends staying in office for at least another year and by expressing interest in joining the Sharon-government, even though members of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s own government have voted against Labor joining the coalition.
4. NO STRIKE IS BIG NEWS…Parents in Israel are expressing relief that September 1 will pass this year without the annual ritual of a school strike. September 1 is traditionally the day children start the new school year, but for several years teachers’ unions have staged walkouts to coincide with the opening of classes. This time round union chiefs say they are contemplating strike action immediately after the Jewish New Year on September 19.