Moscow, May 30: Russia has invited the United States to join in the construction of the nuclear power station at Bushehr in Iran and Washington is considering the proposal, Atomic Energy Minister Alexander Rumantsyev said today. "We have made this proposal several times to our American colleagues in talks at expert level. For the moment, they are saying they have to consider," Rumantsyev was quoted as saying a news agency.
"There is scope for everyone," Rumantsyev noted, pointing out that Iran envisaged a power plant with six reactors whereas Moscow has contracted to supply just the first bloc. "Development countries not only can but should help other countries that respect the non-proliferation regime and meet the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” the minister said.
Washington has been pressing Russia to break off all nuclear cooperation with Iran, and particularly its participation in the Bushehr Power Plant. The United States accuses Tehran of using the construction of power plants as a cover for a nuclear weapons programme, banned under the terms of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty that Iran has signed along with 187 other countries.
It has recently begun accusing Iran -- which it has designated, along with North Korea and Iraq prior to the overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime. Bureau Report