Iran urged Russia on Friday to meet its contractual obligations on building and fuelling a nuclear power station at Bushehr, as the two sides tried to resolve financial disagreements in Moscow, the AFP news agency reported.

The deputy chairman of Iran’s nuclear energy agency, Mohammad Saidi, said that Russian nuclear contractor Atomstroiexport and nuclear agency Rosatom should stick to deadlines covered by their contract for completing the controversial Bushehr facility.

“We hope Atomstroiexport and Rosatom will fulfil their obligations on delivering nuclear fuel by the end of March and ensuring the start of the reactor in September, as foreseen in the contract,” ITAR-TASS quoted Saidi as saying on the Vesti television channel.

Talks began Wednesday over delays in the project blamed by Russia on late payments by Iran. The negotiations were expected to wind up Friday, a source close to the talks told AFP.

Saidi denied Iran was at fault for delays, saying that the Russian side “has minor financial problems” and that Iran was ready to offer help.

The United States, which accuses Iran of intending to use nuclear energy for military ends, has called on Russia to suspend construction at Bushehr.

Tehran has insisted that its nuclear programme will be used for civilian purposes only.

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