Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Bushehr Power plant to launch in 1st half of 2009

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Oct 7, IRNA

Iran-Bushehr Power plant

Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki said that Bushehr Power plant is scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2009.

According to IRNA, Mottaki made the statements in Majlis in esponse to the questions MPs from Orumiyeh, Nader Qazipour, and Semnan, Mostafa Kawakebian, about the reasons for delays in the commissioning of the plant by Russia.

Commenting on the news, second vice chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Hossein Sobhani-Nia said that Mottaki stated that the project has been delayed for political and technical reasons.

Concerted efforts have been made to overcome the problems in the fields, Sobhani-Nia quoted Mottaki as saying.

"Mottaki also said that transmit of fuel by Russia was a great success for Tehran," he added.

Semnan MP has also asked Mottaki about the reasons behind MKO's activities in Ashraf Camp in Iraq, despite its claim regarding its amicable ties with Iran, he said.

Responding to the question, Mottaki said that Bulgarian forces were responsible for safeguarding the camp until some time ago and Iraqi officials have taken over the responsibility two months ago.

"Following handing over the camp to Iraqi authorities, the issue of MKO is pursued seriously and we have reach a desirable point," Mottaki said.