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Iran, Russia show national resolve to proceed with nuclear cooperation

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 25, IRNA
Iran-Russia-Kiriyenko
Head of Russia's Atomic Energy Organization Sergei Kiriyenko on Saturday held intensive talks with his Iranian counterpart Gholamreza Aqazadeh on Iran-Russia cooperation in the context of Iranian nuclear program.

Bilateral cooperation concerning Bushehr nuclear power plant and Russian offer to solve the dispute between Iran and European Union (EU), surfaced prominently in the lengthy negotiations between the two officials.

Kiriyenko's arrival in Tehran on Friday and his negotiations with Iranian officials appeared on news bulletins of foreign radios, televisions and news agencies including those of Russia.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for Safeguards Agreement Olli Heinonen is also expected in Tehran on Saturday.

Press reports said that Iran decided to provide information to Heinonen ahead of a report scheduled to be offered by IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei on March 6.

Observers believe that Heinonen's visit to Tehran is of special significance at a time when ElBaradei is expected to distribute draft of his report next Monday to members of IAEA Governing Board.

Details of ElBaradei's report are not available, but, Western diplomats say that ElBaradei may report whether or not Iran has made progress Iran in terms of uranium enrichment.

Russian televisions including NTV, said that the Iranian people usually take to streets every week after Friday prayers congregations calling for the government to go ahead with its national nuclear program.

"They chant slogans such as 'nuclear energy is Iran's legitimate right'," the reporter said broadcasting scene of the demonstrations.

ITAR-TASS and Interfax said that Russian offer on joint program for uranium enrichment is still on the table and Kiriyenko told reporters in Tehran after lengthy talks with Aqazadeh that the two parties would proceed with talks on Russian plan.

He said that there are experts among his entourage to explain Russian offer to Iranian partner to remove any ambiguities.

Kiriyenko said that Russia will finish Bushehr nuclear power plant as quickly as possible and there is no political or
non-political obstacle in this respect.

During his stay in Iran Kiriyenko is expected to visit Bushehr power plant. It is 10 years that Russia has undertaken to accomplish the project.

Iranian officials said that airplane industry and transport of cargo are the two major items which are on the agenda of Kiriyenko's meetings with Iranian officials.

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