IRAN SIGNS SATELLITE ACCORD WITH CHINA

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran has signed a satellite cooperation accord with China
in what could accelerate Teheran's intermediate- and long-range missile
programs.

The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding meant to improve
aerospace and satellite cooperation. Under the MoU, China would exchange
expertise in the area of satellites and aerospace technology and sciences.

The official Iranian news agency, Irna, reported that the MoU was signed in
Beijing on Nov. 30. The agency said the accord -- signed by Iranian Space
Agency director Hassan Shafti and Chinese National Space Agency director
Lae-on Soon -- was meant to consolidate bilateral cooperation in the field
of aerospace technology and sciences.

"Under the MoU, the two sides are to use aerospace technology for peaceful
purposes, particularly telecommunication and research satellites," Irna
said.
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