Iran asks Russia to complete Bushehr nuclear power plant on schedule

Moscow, Mar 9 (UNI) Iran has asked Russia to complete Bushehr nuclear power plant on schedule.

Currently, an Iranian delegation led by deputy director of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammad Saidi is in Moscow to discuss and settle the controversial financial issues facing the project.

Russia had earlier accused Iranian side of delaying the payments while Tehran said Moscow demanded payments for construction in advance.

''The talks have been intensive, continuing for more than two days, and now they are almost over,'' a spokesman for Russian Atomstroyexport told RIA Novosti news agenycy today.

''We hope Atomstroiexport and Rosatom will fulfil their obligations of delivering nuclear fuel by the end of March and ensuring the start of the reactor in September, as foreseen in the contract,'' Saidi said on Russian state television channel Vesti.

He denied Iran was at fault for delays, saying the Russian side ''has minor financial problems'' and that Iran was ready to offer help.

The construction of Bushehr nuclear power plant with Russian assistance, has been a source of international concern, with the United States and other Western countries raising concerns that Iran could use the project tp produce nuclear weapons.

Tehran, however, has always insisted that its nuclear programme will be used for civilian purposes only.

UNI