Russian Atomic Energy Minister Supports Tehran's Claim of Peaceful Nuclear Program - 2002-12-15

The Russian Atomic Energy Minister has backed Tehran's claim that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Alexander Rumyantsev stated today to Russian news agencies that Tehran, by establishing two additional nuclear units, has not violated international regulations despite U.S. concerns that Iran's nuclear power plants could be used for military purposes. This Kremlin official mentioned that Iran has never hidden its intention to establish the Natanz and Arak facilities. Mr. Rumyantsev emphasized that Moscow has no connection with either of these two plants. He stated that Russia continues to cooperate with Iran to complete the Bushehr plant, which is Iran's third nuclear unit. He said Moscow will not yield to Washington's pressures to halt its participation in the Bushehr project as there is no evidence that international regulations governing nuclear affairs have been violated. Meanwhile, a Russian Atomic Energy Ministry official said that Russia's continued participation in the Bushehr project depends on the Iranian government's guarantee that all nuclear fuel produced from the plant's operations will be delivered to Russia. On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi told reporters that the purposes of Iran's nuclear programs are peaceful and therefore transparent. Mr. Kharrazi stated that the facilities in question, which are under suspicion from Washington, are designed to help meet the growing demand for electricity. He also mentioned that the International Atomic Energy Agency will be invited to visit the facilities before they become operational. Mr. Kharrazi made these remarks after the U.S. State Department claimed that satellite images show Iran intends to establish concealed facilities at the suspected plants. The Russian energy minister stated that the released images do not prove anything.