Russia Delays Iran Nuclear Plant Startup

http://www.moscowtimes.ru/stories/2003/10/14/016.html

Russia Delays Iran Nuclear Plant Startup

Reuters Russia on Monday postponed plans to start up a nuclear reactor in Iran until 2005, saying the delay was due to technical reasons and nothing to do with U.S. concerns over its nuclear ties with the country.

A Nuclear Power Ministry source said Moscow's plans to help build the plant were still intact.

"We are putting off the startup of the first reactor of the Bushehr plant because much of the technical equipment has not been supplied in time," the source said. "But, mind you, this has nothing to do with politics and other issues surrounding Iran at this point."

The huge plant near the southern port of Bushehr was initially supposed to open some time next year. <snip>