Published Date:
23 February 2009
By Hashem Kalantari
IRAN plans to carry out computer tests on its Bushehr nuclear power plant this week in preparation for its launch, official media has said.
Sergei Kiriyenko, the head of Russia's state nuclear company, will attend Wednesday's "pre-commissioning" of Iran's first such plant, located on the Gulf coast in the south-west of the country, state radio said.
The West, which suspects Tehran of seeking to produce a nuclear bomb, has been critical of Russia's involvement in building Bushehr. Russia says the plant is civilian and cannot be used for a weapons programme.
Mohammad Saeedi, the deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, described the tests as a "preliminary phase" for starting the plant.
Iran says its nuclear programme is aimed at generating electricity so that it can export more oil and gas.
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Last Updated:
22 February 2009 11:45 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Iran's nuclear programme
