Iran stamp lauds nuclear success

Books and ears of corn are the emblems of the nuclear programme

Iran's post office has issued a stamp celebrating the country's achievements in nuclear technology.

President Mohammad Khatami oversaw the issuing ceremony while visiting Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation to mark the 30th anniversary of its foundation.

The stamp shows the Bushehr nuclear power plant superimposed over a map of Iran and emblems of the agency.

A lightning bolt is meant to symbolise the peaceful, civilian character of the nuclear programme, officials say.

Footage on state-run television showed the chief of the IAEO and the head of its postal service joining Mr Khatami at the ceremony.

Iran's official news agency Irna reported that the stamp was to mark the occasion of the IAEO's anniversary and "honour Iran's access to nuclear technology".

Russian technicians began construction of Iran's first nuclear reactor at Bushehr in September 2002.

Washington accuses Iran of using its nuclear enrichment programme as a cover for developing nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons, but has suspended uranium enrichment after negotiations with France, Germany and the UK.