Iran's Russian-Built Nuclear Plant To Be Handed Over In Ceremony

The Bushehr nuclear power plant will remain under Russian guarantees for two more years, and Russian experts will remain at Bushehr to give advice and technical assistance, officials say.

A ceremony is expected to be held in which Iran will take control of the Russian-built nuclear power station at Bushehr.

The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Iranian Atomic Energy Organization chief Ali Akbar Salehi as saying the 1,000-megawatt Bushehr station would be handed over during a ceremony on September 23 to be attended by Russian officials, including from the Atomstroieksport contractor.

The handover is described in Iranian reports as "temporary," as Salehi said the plant will remain under Russian guarantees for two more years, and Russian experts will remain at Bushehr to give advice and technical assistance.

Salehi was also quoted as saying he expected work to start soon on a second Iranian nuclear power plant in cooperation with Russia, but gave no date.

Based on reporting by AFP, IRNA, and, ISNA