A general view shows the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, about 1,215 km (755 miles) south of Tehran, Iran February 26, 2006.
Photo: Reuters
| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Russia Launched Nuclear Fuel Supplies to Iran
Russia launched December 16 the nuclear fuel supplies to Iran’s nuclear power plant in Bushehr, the RF Foreign Ministry reported via the official web. The supplies will be effected during two months with the spent fuel to be delivered back to Russia for processing and storage.
As long as it remains in Iran, the nuclear fuel will be always under control of the IAEA experts. Besides, Iran has guaranteed in writing to use the reactor fuel at Bushehr facility exclusively.
The start of deliveries, people in the RF Foreign Ministry say, has set conditions enabling Iran to take new steps aimed at winning back the global trust for its nuclear program. These steps include suspension of the nuclear enrichment program, as Iran has no mid.-term need for it.
From time to time this year, Russia had to terminate construction of Bushehr plant, blaming it on Iran’s failure to meet financial obligations. In addition to payments, Russia conditioned the start of supplies to Iran’s commitment to inform the world community about its nuclear program in part and in whole.
The initial plans were to launch Bushehr Nuclear Plant in October of 2007. The new deadline hasn’t been announced yet. According to the RF Foreign Ministry, the fuel supplies usually start half a year before the actual technological need.
Russia’s nuclear cooperation with Iran goes on in the environment of tough opposition of the United States. Washington apprehends that Iran may use for combat purposes the reactor fuel supplied by Russia.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
