Bushehr power plant operation, a "turning page" in Iran- Russia relations

A general view shows the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, Aug. 20, 2010. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

The beginning of fuel loading into Bushehr nuclear power plant by Russians on August 21, would be a " turning page" in Iran-Russia relations and is a signal to the United States to recognize Iran's nuclear rights, an Iranian university professor told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

Explaining his view about the impact of fuel loading into Bushehr power plant on Iran and Russia's future relations, Dr. Foad Izadi, a research fellow at the Faculty of World Studies of Tehran University, said "now that the plant is running, obviously, relations between Iran and Russia are going to improve."

Izadi said that Bushehr nuclear power plant was supposed to come online about 10 years ago, but the U.S. pressures on Russian government over Iran's nuclear program hindered the launch of the project.

"Finally, the Russians decided to do their promise and start the operation at Bushehr power plant," he said, stressing that this is a "better sign" in the future relations between the two neighboring states.

With the help of Russian experts, fuel loading into Iran's first nuclear power plant, which started on Aug. 21, is set to finish on Sept. 5, after which the Bushehr nuclear power plant will become operational soon.


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