Russia Invites the U.S. to Participate in the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in Iran - 2003-05-30

Russia has invited the United States to participate in the construction of a nuclear power plant in southwestern Iran. The Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported, citing Alexander Rumyantsev, the Russian Minister of Atomic Energy, that Russia has proposed this matter to the U.S. several times during past expert talks between the two countries, and U.S. officials are currently reviewing Russia's proposal. Iran's nuclear program has been a source of contention between the U.S. and Russia since 1995, when Russia signed a contract with Iran to build the first of six light-water reactors in Bushehr. The U.S. has accused the Iranian regime of using its nuclear power program as a cover for a nuclear weapons program. Russia asserts that only the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), affiliated with the United Nations, has the authority to determine whether Iran is pursuing its nuclear program for military purposes or for civilian use. The development of Iran's nuclear program is one of the topics that will be on the agenda during the meeting between U.S. President Bush and Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Sunday.