Russia's nuclear chief calls on Iran to comply with Bushehr contract

Moscow, Mar 16 (UNI) Russian nuclear chief Sergei Kiriyenko today called on Iran to comply with the contract for the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, being built with Russia's assistance.

Commenting on the financial dispute between Moscow and Tehran surrounding the Bushehr plant, Mr Kiriyenko asked for an end to the 'media frenzy' on the controversy and proposed concrete talks on the commercial aspects of the project.

''Commercial talks are not being held in such a manner'' he told mediapersons here when asked to comment on the situation surrounding the financing for the Bushehr nuclear plant.

The Bushehr plant is in jeopardy after the Russian contractor Atomstroiexport accused Tehran of making irregular payments for the construction since mid-January. The company said it has so far received 60 per cent of the required funding in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Atomstroiexport warned the Iranian side that the launch of the plant and nuclear fuel deliveries could be delayed as a result of the non-payment of dues.

Iran has denied the non-payment while accusing Russia of being pressurised by the West to force Tehran to end its nuclear programme.

''Financing must be provided by the Iranian side and we should stick to regular commercial relations,'' Mr Kiriyenko stressed. ''We are holding talks in Tehran and we are ready to receive Iranian negotiators in Moscow.'' Earlier this week, Tehran said it had paid Russia over 75 million dollars and another 6 million dollars in its national currency between October 10, 2006 and March 14, 2007, including a 12.7 million dollar installment on March 1.

Russia however, denied receiving the payment and said Tehran had only paid 5.1 million dollars in January and had not yet transferred any money in February.

Russia had warned that the plant could not be commissioned in September as scheduled and nuclear fuel would not be supplied to it in March, six months before the launch, due to the financial irregularities.

The UN Security Council has already imposed limited international sanctions on Iran and the country is facing tough penalties over its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment programme.

UNI