The head of the project for construction and operation of Bushehr nuclear power plant said: The plant is a perfect example of using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, but even for this, America, on several occasions, interfered in the process of drawing up our contract with Russia. Contrary to its claim, America never assisted Iran in its endeavour for peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Dr Shariflu, who, at the invitation of the green peace society of Shahr Kord Univeristy, was addressing the university said: The nuclear power plant can have a positive effect on all sectors of our industry, including construction, metallurgy, electricity, tool making as well as improving the technical potential of the country for access to other sources of energy.

Talking about different sections of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Shariflu said: With its record in Japan [as published], America has the worst criminal politicians in the world.

Talking about human rights as advocated by America, he said: America is like a wolf that wants to look after sheep.

Stating that the project for the heavy water research reactor in Arak will contribute to the nuclear fuel cycle, he added: Seven hundred engineers and technicians were sent to Russia and after learning the Russian language, they underwent training between five to 30 months about the control and running of the plant, and the plant will be put into operation in the next 15 months.

[Passage omitted: About the use of nuclear energy in the world]

Stating that nuclear plants and nuclear technology are very important for access to different sources of electricity, Shariflu added: The establishment of the IAEA, the NPT and the Additional Protocol (92+3) are tools for preventing other countries from access to nuclear technology.

Dr Shariflu described as positive the willingness of America and Europe to talk to Iran [about nuclear issues] after 25 years and added: Their willingness to provide Iran with nuclear fuel is advantageous to Iran.

Talking about the construction of the plant, he said: Out of 48,000 tons of equipment, 40,000 tons are already in the plant and the rest will be transported to the site in the next four months.

Stating that 20 per cent of the equipment has been installed and the work is progressing, he said: Eighteen hundred Russians and 2,000 Iranians are involved in installing the equipment.

Out of 48,000 tons of equipment, he said, 1,000 tons for the first unit [as published] were made in Iran and, if the government put on its agenda an earnest plan for construction of a plant to produce 4,000-5,000 MW [electricity], then with appropriate planning for the new units, we can increase the share of our domestic industry in providing equipment and the role of Iranian engineers. In doing so, we can achieve industrial independence with regard to nuclear plants.

Dr Shariflu told ISNA reporter: The carrot and stick approach is a political issue and senior authorities in the country are aware of the EU-Iran talks and they will react if Iran's interests are to be undermined.

Answering a question by an ISNA correspondent that the EU cannot be a trustworthy side for talks, he said: As a matter of necessity we talk to the EU and shall not talk to America without the eminent leader's permission, and among the industrial states, we only talk to European countries.

He also said: So far there has been no cause for concern about the Russian cooperation with Iran and the work in Bushehr nuclear plant is progressing.