Position of Russia with regard to cooperation with Iran in the sphere of atomic energy remains unchanged

The position of Russia with regard to its cooperation with Iran in the sphere of atomic energy remains unchanged, said official spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexander Yakovenko, answering reporters' questions on Thursday.

Iran's activity in the sphere of atomic energy /Iran is a member-country of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons/ is under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which, it will should be recalled, has not so far suspected Iran of abusing its commitments, pointed out the diplomat.

According to Alexander Yakovenko, at the present time Russia is cooperating with Iran in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Bushehr and in ensuring its security.

As to the prospects of cooperation with Iran in the peaceful use of atomic energy, he pointed out, "the Long-Term Programme for the development of trade, economic, industrial and technological cooperation between Russia and Iran for the period of up to 2012 mentions only the existing potential possibilities, the implementation of which depends on many factors, including political of course." Alexander Yakovenko reiterated that Russian-Iranian cooperation in the sphere of atomic energy "is of a peaceful, mutually advantageous character which is in full conformity with all international commitments undertaken by Russia, above all in the sphere of nuclear non-proliferation."