Russia will begin building the first block of Iran's nuclear power station at Bushehr this year, Russian Deputy Nuclear Energy Minister Evgeny Reshetnikov said Wednesday.
Russian-produced reactor equipment and turbine installation would be delivered to the construction site shortly, Reshetnikov said quoted by ITAR-TASS.
The project would be completed in 2003, the official said, adding that some 700 Russian specialists were already working at the site, double-checking the construction equipment's conformity to Russian standards.
Iran's nuclear programme has been strongly criticised by Washington, which accuses Tehran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons. It has also criticised third parties including Russia for alleged technology transfers to the Islamic regime.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration stepped up Moscow's ties with its former Soviet-era allies, specifically focusing its attention on the strategic Caspian Sea despite Washington's expressions of concern.—AFP.
©--Agence France Presse 2001.
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
