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Russia stresses continuation of nuclear cooperation with Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, June 26, IRNA -- Head of Russian Atomic Energy Agency 
Alexander Rumyantsev stressed here Sunday on continuation of 
cooperation with Iran on nuclear energy. 
Rumyantsev who was speaking in a joint press conference with Head 
of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamad Elbaradei added 
that Iran has signed the Additional Protocol to the Nuclear 
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has no intention of producing 
nuclear weapons. 
"Any country which has signed the NPT is entitled to international
cooperation in using peaceful nuclear energy. 
We follow Iran`s developments closely and supports Tehran in its 
cooperation with the IAEA," he added. 
He also quoted the Russian president Vladimir Putin as saying that
Moscow will continue its nuclear cooperation with Iran. Russia is 
closely monitoring the manner of cooperation and relationship between 
Iran and the IAEA, the Russian official stated. 
He also said the recent deceleration by the Board of Director of 
the IAEA is a testimony to Iran`s cooperation with the nuclear 
watchdog agency. 
Elsewhere in his statements, Rumyantsev said there are no problems
between Iran and Moscow over provision of nuclear waste for the 
Bushehr Nuclear powerplant. 
"Iran is ready the sign the agreement on return of recycled fuel 
and is looking at international experiences on this matter." 
He further said the first batch of nuclear fuel for Bushehr 
powerplant is ready for transfer to Iran. 
He added that the powerplant is slated to be in operation by the 
end of 2005 and "the needed fuel should be available to Iran by that 
time." 
He further did not rule out expediting the time frame on the part 
of Russia for completion of the powerplant. 
Rumyantsev said here earlier in June that Russia will never bow to
foreign pressure to stop nuclear cooperation with Iran. 
Rumyantsev, speaking in a meeting with Iranian journalists, 
admitted that certain countries are pressuring Russia to decrease 
nuclear ties with the Islamic Republic, stressing however that Moscow 
will never care about such positions. 
"Our American colleagues criticize us that why Russia is 
increasing cooperation with Iran and our response is that Moscow`s 
cooperation with Tehran is based on international norms," he said. 
He further described Iran-Russia cooperation over Bushehr nuclear 
power plant as constructive, stressing that both sides have always 
removed the faults of the project rapidly. 
Rumyantsev rejected rumors that Bushehr project had been delayed 
as the result of foreign pressure, and said the current pressure to 
stop the project is non-political. 
"Russia`s response to them regarding the nuclear fuel which is 
delivered to Iran is that the Iranians will return the recycled fuel 
of Bushehr to Russia." 
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