Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Elham optimistic Bushehr nuclear power plant will be inaugurated soon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, March 13, IRNA
Iran-Russia-Elham
Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham here Tuesday expressed optimism the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran will be inaugurated in due time.

Elham was addressing reporters during his weekly press briefing in which he was asked whether Russia's decision would cause a delay in inaugurating the plant.

"We think the case will be settled through negotiation," he said.

Officials of Atomstroiexport, the company that is building the power plant, recently announced that inauguration of the plant could again be delayed as well as delivery of nuclear fuel for the plant following Iran's failure to meet its financial obligation.

Based on an agreement reached by the two sides in September 2006, the plant was to be test-operated in September 2007 and the fuel needed by the plant delivered to Iran by end of March.

Iranian officials, however, insist Tehran has faithfully complied with its financial obligations as stipulated in the contract.

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