Russia, Iran Agree Timetable For Bushehr Reactor

2004 photo of Bushehr plant (AFP)

September 26, 2006 -- Russia and Iran have agreed on a timetable for the launch of a nuclear power plant that Russia is helping Iran build in the city of Bushehr.

Officials from the two sides meeting in Moscow today signed an agreement under which the plant is to be launched in September 2007 and start producing electricity two months later.

The head of Atomstroieksport, the state company building the plant, said Russia is to start supplying Iran with nuclear fuel in March next year.

Completion of the $800 million plant at Bushehr has been put off several times.

Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov, meeting with Iranian Vice President Gholamreza Aqazadeh-Khoi, today reiterated Russia's stance that the standoff over Iran's nuclear program should be resolved diplomatically.

"A concrete plan has been drawn up for the completion of the Bushehr plant and we will strictly observe our obligations," Ivanov said. "We are actively participating in negotiations on Iran's nuclear [program]. All issues can and should be resolved within the framework of negotiations, at the negotiation table."

Washington fears Iran is seeking to produce weapons under cover of its nuclear energy program.

(compiled from agency reports)