Bato-Zhargal Zhambalnimbuyev, member of Federation Council Sub-Committee on Nuclear Energy

– There is nothing extraordinary in Russia’s decision to start fuel deliveries to Bushehr NPP

There is nothing extraordinary in Russia’s decision to start supply fuel to Bushehr NPP. The construction of the plant is near completion and it needs fuel for launch. We have already sent the first delivery of fuel. After use it will be taken back to Russia.

The situation is absolutely transparent. There is no risk here especially as the whole process is controlled by IAEA. We have quite serious mutual commitments. So, I think that we are acting correctly in line with the nonproliferation regime.

We can’t admit the charges by third parties that the fuel can be used for military purposes. This may be just an element of unfair competition. We are supplying Bushehr NPP with low-enriched uranium, which cannot be used for military purposes.

To remind, on Dec 16 2007 Atomstroyexport CJSC started supplying fuel to the future Bushehr NPP in Iran.

A total of 163 basic and 17 reserve fuel assemblies (3.62% uranium-235 enrichment) are to be supplied to the site for the first fueling.
 
The deliveries are to be carried out in several stages for a total period of two months.

The first stage was finished on Dec 16 2007: containers sealed by IAEA experts were delivered to the site and placed in a special storage facility (guaranteed by IAEA).