Iran's Nuclear Chief in Moscow for Talks
VOA News
30 Jun 2003, 10:26 UTC
The head of Iran's nuclear program is in Moscow for talks with senior Russian officials, amid continuing international concern that Tehran is secretly trying to develop atomic weapons.
Iranian nuclear energy chief Gholamreza Aghazadeh and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov are expected to meet Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation. Russia is helping Iran build a nuclear power plant in the port city of Bushehr, despite pressure from the United States to end the effort.
Moscow also has been urging Iran to cooperate more closely with U.N. nuclear inspectors, to ease concerns about Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and is limited to generating energy.
Today's talks comes one day after British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw conferred with Iranian officials in Tehran about the nuclear issue. Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi told Mr. Straw Tehran will not sign an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, to allow surprise inspections of its nuclear sites by U.N. officials.
Earlier this month, Mr. Aghazadeh had expressed optimism that Iran and the IAEA can reach agreement on more intrusive inspections demanded by U.N. officials.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his government has some serious questions about Tehran's nuclear program, but that Iran is a traditional partner with whom Russia has developed international cooperation.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.
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