Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, July 18, 2003
Russia-Iran Nuke Deal Soon to be Signed: Russian Official
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov on Thursday expressed confidence that an agreement under which Iran will return spent nuclear fuel to Russia will be signed in the near future.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov on Thursday expressed confidence that an agreement under which Iran will return spent nuclear fuel to Russia will be signed in the near future.
"I have no doubt that such an agreement will be signed in the near future," Losyukov was quoted by Interfax as saying.
"This will be a very important factor from the point of view of eliminating concerns over Iranian intentions in this field," he said.
Meanwhile, Losyukov reiterated Russia's stance that there was "no reasons to stop" nuclear cooperation with Iran.
Russian is helping Iran build an 800-million-dollar nuclear power plant at the coastal city of Bushehr. Both Moscow and Tehran have rejected Washington allegations that Iran may use the plant for developing nuclear arms.
Russia, however, has urged Iran to sign with the International Atomic Energy Agency an additional protocol, which will allow more intensive and surprised visits to Iran's nuclear facilities.
Losyukov, in this case, warned against exerting pressure on Iran to sign the additional protocol.
"Iran should be given time to think and make a decision," he stressed.
"I would not venture to anticipate events, but we are continuing to actively call on Iran to join this protocol," he noted.