Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

FM: Bushehr nuclear plant to start operation next summer

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, March 4, IRNA - Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Wednesday that Bushehr nuclear power plant will definitely become operational next year and generate 500 megawatts of electricity at its first stage.

Speaking at an open session of the Majlis, Mottaki briefed the Majlis deputies on necessary measures to be taken prior to running Bushehr nuclear power plant.

The first stage of Bushehr nuclear power plant will come on stream next summer, said the Iranian foreign minister.

Despite barriers to the implmentation of the project, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are doing their best to successfully finalize the project, he said.

Russia delivered nuclear fuel for Bushehr nuclear power plant as scheduled and there is no obstacle to implementation of the project in due time, he said.

There is no problem with Russia in terms of diplomacy and relations and there is no justification for any delay, he said.

“If there appears any change in Russia’s stand to this effect, Iran will take very clear position in dealing with it,” he pointed out.

The ninth government is committed to run Bushehr nuclear power plant and has taken decisive measures to this end, Mottaki said.

Commissioning of Bushehr nuclear plant is regarded as a significant political achievement for the country, he underlined.

On delay in commissioning Bushehr nuclear power plant, Mottaki said the fact is the political pressure on Russia was the main reason for the delay.