Iran state TV calls Russia "an unreliable partner"

In a commentary, state television criticized Russia for what it described as a policy of procrastination in constructing the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran. It said politics, not technical issues, were the reason behind the delay.

"Double standard stances by Russian officials regarding Iran's nuclear issue shows that Russians are not a reliable partner in the field of nuclear cooperation," the commentary said.

The nuclear reactor outside the southern city of Bushehr is not part of Iran's dispute with the U.N. Security Council and the reactor itself has no potential military use.

Russia announced earlier this month that construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran would be delayed at least two months because Iran had failed to make monthly payments since January. It said the delay could cause "irreversible" damage to the project.

Because of the delay, Russia also indefinitely postponed delivery of enriched uranium fuel it had promised to provide Iran in March.

Iran has denied the Russian claims, saying it has fulfilled its financial obligations and even has paid Russia down payments. It warned it may make public

banking documents that show the payments.

"It is clear that Russia has stopped construction of this plant under pressure and for political reasons," the television said.

While Iranian lawmakers and analysts have been critical of Moscow, it is the first time that state-run media publicly has called Russia an "unreliable partner."

Despite the international pressure, Iran has indicated it wants to obtain technology to build and design nuclear plants.

"Iran is trying to join countries, within the next few years, possessing technology to build nuclear power plants," the commentary said.

Iran is already building a 40-megawatt heavy water reactor in Arak, central Iran, based on domestic technology. It is also preparing to build a 360-megawatt nuclear power plant in Darkhovin, in southwestern Iran. The Associated Press

/The International Herald Tribune/