Russia, Iran agree to expand nuclear cooperation
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Saturday, February 19, 2000
NICOSIA -- Officials said the prospect of increased cooperation in the construction
and operation of nuclear facilities was discussed in talks this week in
Moscow between Iranian and Russian officials. An Iranian delegation led by
deputy Foreign Ministry Sadeq Kharazi met Russian deputy Prime Minister Ilya
Klebanov on mutual cooperation.
The two men focused on improving technological cooperation and the
transfer of Russian know-how to Teheran. Both dismissed efforts by the
United States to stop the transfer of Russian technology to Iran.
U.S. and Israeli officials said Russian companies, including those owned
by the state, have been transferring missile and nuclear weapons technology
to Teheran for use in Iranian military programs. The officials said hundreds
of scientists from the former Soviet Union are now working in these
projects.
For his part, Kharazi called for Russian cooperation to help Iranian
programs over the next five years. He said this would include scientific and
research exchanges. More than 700 Iranians are being trained in Russia to
operate and develop Iran's planned nuclear reactor at Bushehr.
Klebanov was reported by the official Islamic Republic News Agency as
expressing Moscow's readiness to expand cooperation in the construction of
new nuclear power plants in Iran. He did not elaborate.
Russia is also helping Iran develop the TU-334 military transport jet as
part of what Iranian plans to become an aircraft manufacturer.
Saturday, February 19, 2000
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