Russia, Iran Reach Agreement On Nuclear Power Station

MOSCOW, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Iran have reached an agreement on the Bushehr nuclear power station in Iran.

"We have resolved all the problems with the Iranians," said Sergei Shmatko, president of Russian state contractor Atomstroiexport, on Thursday.

"We have agreed on the construction schedule. I shall define it more precisely at the end of December," Shmatko was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.

The first nuclear power station in Iran, Bushehr had been expected to start operation this past September, but the start-up has been delayed and the project remains under construction due toa dispute between Russian contractors and Iran over the terms of payment.

Nuclear fuel will be supplied to the site half a year before the need arises, he said.

"The completion of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is among the most important criteria for maintaining normal dialogue with Iran on the nuclear problem," the Interfax news agency quoted Shmatko as saying.

---EOE---

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/13/content_7243511.htm