Iran pushes ahead on satellite plans

NICOSIA — Despite budgetary woes, Iran is said to have advanced in plans to launch a $300 million telecommunications satellite.

Officials said the Zohreh satellite will be launched in 2003. The satellite, which will be used to relay telephone calls, radio and television, will be built by Russia.

So far, the project is about two years behind schedule. The satellite had been scheduled for launch in November 2001.

Russia will launch the satellite in a competition that had included France and China. Earlier, India dropped out of the competition.

Officials said Russia signed a deal with Iran to build the satellite during a meeting in March. France and China will remain in the project to build other satellites.

In all, six telecommunications satellites will be built. Officials said the Zohreh project has been delayed because of budgetary problems.

The project was launched in 1978 under the rule of the Shah of Iran, who was overthrown the following year.