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Russia says Rice's statements on Iran "positive"

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, March 12, IRNA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander akuvenku termed here Saturday Condoleezza Rice statements on Iran as "positive," Russian Foreign ministry internet site said.

Moscow regards as constructive Rice's statements in which she expressed her country's readiness to assist Tehran in its bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), he added.

"We hope that these new views will bode well for political ties between Russia and Western Europe on Iran's nuclear program and enhance efforts to expunge all issue on the nature of the Iran nuclear activities," the Russian Foreign Ministry official added.

Russia's chances of winning contracts to build more nuclear power plants in Iran are rather high, Russian ambassador in Tehran, Alexander Maryasov told Tass last week.

"For successful cooperation we must above all complete the construction of the first unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant within the agreed deadlines. This will indisputably turn Russia and its specialists greater credibility. I believe that in that case favorable conditions will be created for concluding more contracts," the ambassador said.

"Iran has invited us to give thought to preparations for building one or two more nuclear reactors. An agreement on that score was achieved in the course of the recent visit to Tehran by the head of the Russian atomic energy agency, Alexander Rumyantsev," Maryasov said.

A joint working group will be created for Russian specialists to help Iran choose a venue for at least one more nuclear power reactor.

"As it builds Iran's first nuclear power plant, Russia acts in the capacity of a trailblazer. I believe that as tensions over Iran are eased, if Teheran continues to actively, effectively and transparently cooperate with the IAEA and successfully completes negotiations with the European troika, the opportunities will open up for other countries to participate in building nuclear power plants in that country.

For our part, we shall be prepared to help Iran on the condition of its strict compliance with its liabilities under international treaties. If that is the case, we see no obstacles to our further cooperation."
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