The Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran is finally being started up for a test on February 25, 2009. “The Bushehr NPP will be started up for a test on Wednesday in the presence of [Russia’s state nuclear corporation] Rosatom head Sergei Kiriyenko and AEO head Gholam Reza Aghazadeh,” (Link)
The nuclear plant was contracted to be built in 1998 and finished in 2006, Russia had delays that seemed to be associated with the Western powers and the concern with nuclear weapons in Iran. Russia has taken the stance that financial problems are responsible for the delay, but it has been suggested by Iran that: Western powers have exerted unnecessary pressure in the past to make Russia stall construction due to Western suspicions that Tehran could be seeking nuclear weapons.
Seems that Russia has finally pushed aside all the obstinate barriers and finished the power plant against Western wishes.
Good for Russia in that she showed that against Western opposition she will complete her commitments! Better for Iran, now Iran has another stone in place to help her grow for the future.
Kyle & Svet
comments always welcome.