Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/10/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT (S-ONLY)

TITLE=RUSSIA/ IRAN

NUMBER=2-309649

BYLINE= BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A senior Iranian official has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Iran will suspend its enrichment of uranium and sign a key U-N protocol. The announcement was made by Iran National Security Council head Hasan Rowhani who is in Moscow on a two-day visit. Bill Gasperini has more from Russia's capital.

TEXT: Hasan Rowhani made his announcement just before meeting President Putin to discuss Russia's ongoing nuclear cooperation with Iran.

He also pledged that Iran would sign a protocol in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that would allow for unannounced inspections of its nuclear sites. The senior Iranian official said both actions will take effect immediately.

Mr. Rowhani and other Iranian officials have said they would comply with international demands concerning its nuclear program. But the timetable had not been clear.

Mr. Putin responded by saying he was satisfied with Iran's action, and that he saw no more obstacles for Russia to continue its cooperation with Tehran.

The United States has accused Iran of concealing a weapons program, and has called on Moscow to halt the construction of a nuclear power plant that Iran says is purely for peaceful purposes.

Russia suspended work on the plant earlier this year after Iran refused to agree that all spent nuclear fuel used at the plant be returned to Russia for disposal. Mr. Putin ruled out halting work on the 800-million-dollar project permanently, while urging Iran to reconsider its position. (SIGNED)

NEB/BG/MAR/RAE