Special Report: Iran Nuclear Crisis 

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks during an event to mark Iran's National Day of Nuclear Technology in Tehran, capital of Iran, April 8, 2008. Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday Iran has tested a new advanced centrifuge as part of the country's ongoing nuclear program.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    TEHRAN, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic had started to install 6,000 new centrifuges at Natanz nuclear plant, state media reported.

    The president made the remarks after inspecting various sections of Natanz nuclear site in central Isfahan province, the official IRNA news agency reported.

    "In addition to installation of 6,000 new centrifuges, there are also reports about other new achievements which would be announced tonight at TV news program," Ahmadinejad said.

    Ahmadinejad arrived in Natanz nuclear site Tuesday morning to attend a ceremony marking the third anniversary of Iran's National Day of Nuclear Technology.

    The president was accompanied by Iran's Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili and a number of his cabinet members, IRNA reported.

    Iran already has about 3,000 centrifuges in Natanz, and the new announcement showed Iran's latest defiance of international demands to halt its nuclear enrichment work.

    The 20th day of the first month of the Iranian calendar year (Farvardin) which falls on April 8 this year, was announced as National Nuclear Technology Day by Ahmadinejad last year.

    The day marks the achievement of Iranian scientists in producing 3.5 percent uranium enriched in Natanz facility two years ago.