TEHRAN, February 25. /TASS/. Iran relies on Russia’s support in production of fuel for nuclear power plants, head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi said in an interview with ISNA on Saturday.
"In the beginning of talks on the Iranian nuclear program, we had parallel consultations with Russia concerning new nuclear energy blocks," he said. "We have asked Russia to establish joint production of nuclear fuel on our territory. We referred to the Islamic Republic’s plans to have 20,000 MW nuclear capacities and Russia’s probable participation in implementation of those projects."
"We have asked Russia for support in production of nuclear fuel. We considered the good relations between our countries as well as the Russian experience in construction of nuclear power plants in Iran," he continued. "Since Iran is not a newcomer and has certain experience and technology knowledge in this sphere, we have agreed that Russian specialists will provide consultancy assistance to us."
"Our negotiations lasted for two years and resulted in a "roadmap," which was signed during the recent visit to Moscow of Mister [Behrouz] Kamalvandi [Atomic Energy Organisation spokesman]," Salehi said. "I must say, this document has been approved by authorities in both countries."