Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iran, Russia to sign contract on nuclear fuel

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Oct 10, IRNA -- Visiting Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs 
Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi here Sunday 
announced that the two countries are finalizing the deal on providing 
Iran with nuclear fuel by Russia and the return of the spent fuel from
Bushehr nuclear power plant. 
Speaking at a joint press conference at Iran`s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the two ministers hoped that Bushehr nuclear power station 
would become operational shortly. 
Addressing reporters, Kharrazi expressed satisfaction with nuclear
cooperation between the two countries and referred to Bushehr nuclear 
power station as an example. 
He said that the contract on nuclear fuel is subject to some 
changes at the final stage. 
Concerning the time of completion of the power station, he 
said, "Given that this is a technical issue -- not political -- it 
is up to the atomic energy organizations of both countries to 
announce it. However, so far as the project is concerned, it is now 
at its final stage." 
Kharrazi hoped that the project will be finalized shortly. 
On providing Iran with nuclear fuel in return for suspension of 
its uranium enrichment process, he said, "It is not a question of 
quitting the fuel recycling process. Rather the main point is that if 
Iran receives a constructive proposal in line with its rights which 
will put an end to the concerns of the Western states, it will be 
prepared to consider it. 
For his part, Lavrov said that there is no difference of opinion 
between the two countries over Bushehr power station project. 
In response to a question whether Russia is under pressure by 
the US for its cooperation with Iran on the project, he said that 
it has never been pressurized to this end. 
"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on 
Iran to continue its voluntary suspension of uranium enrichment. As 
President Vladimir Putin has said it is in the country`s interest to 
respond to the call positively," he added. 
Asked whether Russia will use its right of veto in case Iran`s 
nuclear dossier is sent to the UN Security Council, Lavrov said, "We 
should first examine Iran`s relations with the nuclear watchdog and 
the report of IAEA chief Muhamed ElBaradei before proceeding." 
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