The Russian delegation was expected to be headed by Federal Atomic
Energy Agency director Sergei Kireinko. In June 2008, Kirienko said Bushehr
would begin operations in the fall of 2008, a prediction endorsed by Iran's
Atomic Energy Organization.
"During the visit in September, Iranian and Russian officials will
negotiate the final date for commissioning Bushehr power plant," the
official Iranian news agency, Irna, said.
For his part, Sadovnikov said all elements of Bushehr would be tested by
the end of 2008. In an Aug. 23 interview with Irna, the ambassador said the
nuclear power plant would become operational in early 2009.
"Moscow is seriously determined to complete and put into operation the
Bushehr nuclear power plant," Sadovnikov said.
Sadovnikov acknowledged delays of Bushehr. The Russian attributed this
to the refusal of unidentified countries to provide Iran with nuclear
components and machinery for Bushehr.
Under the contract, Sadovnikov said, Russia would bear the expense of
additional delays to Bushehr. He did not elaborate.
"Russia has always had a schedule to complete the power plant, but the
work schedule has sometimes been out of its control," Sadovnikov said.
