Visiting Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Dr Kamal Kharrazi here Sunday announced that the two countries are finalizing the deal on providing Iran with nuclear fuel by Russia and the return of the spent fuel from Bushehr nuclear power plant. Speaking at a joint press conference at Iran`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers hoped that Bushehr nuclear power station would become operational shortly.

Mr Kharrazi expressed satisfaction with nuclear cooperation between the two countries and referred to Bushehr nuclear power station as an example. He said that the contract on nuclear fuel is subject to some changes at the final stage.

Concerning the time of completion of the power station, he said, 'Given that this is a technical issue -- not political -- it is up to the atomic energy organizations of both countries to announce it. However, so far as the project is concerned, it is now at its final stage.'

Dr Kharrazi hoped that the project will be finalized shortly. On providing Iran with nuclear fuel in return for suspension of its uranium enrichment process, he said, `It is not a question of quitting the fuel recycling process. Rather the main point is that if Iran receives a constructive proposal in line with its rights which will put an end to the concerns of the Western states, it will be prepared to consider it.'