Russia played important role in adoption of IAEA resolution

On Saturday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Hasan Rowhani stated that Russia played a very positive role in the process of adoption of the resolution on Iranian nuclear programs by the IAEA's board of governors.

"Russia has played an important and positive role during the preparation, discussion and adoption of the document," Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary stated.

Mr. Rowhani confirmed Iran's willingness to sign a Russian-Iranian protocol on the return of spent fuel from the Bushehr nuclear power plant to Russia and underlined that "there are no difficulties or problems in this area." "The timeframe for signing is being coordinated at present," he added.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary said that during his recent visit to Russia the sides agreed to expedite the construction of the first generator of the Bushehr nuclear power plant and discussed Russia's involvement in the construction of the second generator at the same plant. Mr. Rowhani expressed hope that the construction of the first generator will be completed by 2004.

At the same time, he adamantly rejected the idea of possible involvement of the United States or American companies in the construction of another five nuclear power generators on the Iranian territory. The construction is planned in the context of the program for the development of nuclear power industry in Iran. "We have no contacts with the United States in this area. We are conducting negotiations on the construction of the second generator at the Bushehr nuclear power plant with Russia, and probably will start negotiation process with other countries, for example European, on the creation of facilities generating additional 5,000 megawatts," said Mr. Rowhani.