Russia upbeat with Iran`s signature on NPT protocol, Rumyantsev
IRNA
Moscow, Dec 21, IRNA -- Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Alexander Rumyantsev said that Russia is pleased with the breakthrough Iran made with the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by putting signature on the additional protocol to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Speaking in an interview with IRNA, Rumyantsev said that Iran managed to put behind the international tension, so, Russia will remain Iran`s partner. Asked about the deal yet to be signed by the two countries over fuel supply for Bushehr power plant, Rumyantsev felt assured that it would be signed soon. "Russia had prepared a draft six months ago for the fuel deal to be signed by the two parties, but, Iran said it seeks an amendment to it. Russia agreed to consider Iran`s views about the deal later on," Rumyantsev said. "We need more time to study Iran`s proposals. Of course, we will sign a new agreement as soon as we reach a consensus. Currently, we are ready to sign the prepared one. So, extra coordination should be made to reach a new agreement," he said. IRNA reporter asked about Russian offer to build six nuclear power plants in Iran, Rumyantsev said that Russia made the offer to announce Russian technical capacity to launch such a project. Later, the topic was only reviewed at Tehran-Moscow joint economic commission, Rumyantsev said. "Head of Iran`s Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) Gholamreza Aghazadeh later declared Iran`s decision to generate 6,000 mega-watts electricity by setting up nuclear power plants in cooperation with international suppliers. Russia has announced to provide Iran with necessary technology to go ahead with the plan," the Russian minister said. "Russia will apply for the project, if Iran puts it to international tender," he said adding that Russia is looking for ratification of the protocol by Iranian legislature. 215/212 End
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