Text of report by Iranian radio on 23 June

A number of foreign reporters, who have come to Iran to cover the presidential election, visited the Bushehr nuclear Power Station [yesterday].

Speaking to reporters during their inspection, the deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Asadollah Saburi, said: The power station is 85 per cent complete and will start work by the end of next year.

He added: Three hundred specialists and 400 technicians have received training in Iran and Russia so as to operate Bushehr power station. And they will start work as soon as it opens.

In reply to a question concerning the delay in completion of the power station, Saburi blamed international restrictions and refusal of the previous contractor [a German firm] to cooperate. At the same time, he added that the country managed to overcome those problems.

Another correspondent asked why Iran needed to generate nuclear energy because it is rich in oil and gas reserves? In reply, Saburi said: Some 91 per cent of electricity generation in our country depends on fossil fuels. It is essential for us to seek nuclear energy because our hydroelectric generation capacity is limited and the fossil fuels are diminishing resources.

Saburi also said: The fuel for Bushehr nuclear power station is ready for transportation from Russia to Iran, but the exact date of delivery is confidential.

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