A leading institute for Third World scientists, the International Centre
for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, has narrowly escaped closure for the
time being.
Ninety per cent of the ICTP鈥檚 funding comes from the Italian government.
But a bill to make the funding permanent has been stuck in the Italian parliament
for months, cutting the cash flow and leading to plans to sack staff and
close the centre.
Now the ICTP has been rescued by a loan from Iran. Tehran has agreed
to put up 拢2 million interest-free until Italian funds start flowing
again.
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