Russia and Iran on Sunday ironed out financial disputes and
inked a protocol that will see Russia help Iran build its first
nuclear energy plant.
Representatives of senior Russian partner Atomstroyexport and
Iran's Atomic Energy Organization signed the agreement in Moscow
which will lead to the construction of the Bushehr plant, stated
Atomstroyexport press secretary Irina Yesipova.
The origins of the deal date back to 1995 when the two nations
first signed the US$1-billion-contract for the plant, located in
southwestern Iran. However, financial issues have long dogged the
project, with Russia accusing Iran of failing to make its payments
on time.
Under an agreement reached last September, nuclear fuel was to
begin arriving at Bushehr last March with the full plant set to
start production in September. However, Russian officials reneged
on this deal by deciding to halt fuel deliveries until all disputes
were solved.
This latest delay would push back the facility's trial run by a
further two months,? head of the Russian Atomic Energy Agency
Sergei Kiriyenko said to Interfax news agency.
"If (the protocol) is successfully implemented, some financing
issues will be settled," Yesipova added, noting that the two sides
will continue further talks in Tehran in May.
(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2007)
