Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station can not begin operation before 2008, said a senior official of Russian federal atomic energy agency (ROSATOM) on Wednesday.
"It is unreal and quite evident to Iranian specialists that the plant can be launched no earlier than 2008," Itar-Tass quoted ROSATOM chief Sergei Kiriyenko as saying.
Russian contractor Atomstroiexport is building the first nuclear power plant in Iran's Gulf port of Bushehr, which was expected to be launched this year. But Russia has accused Iran of delaying the payment.
"Iran practically has not financed the project for six months. Certain progress with money transfer was made in June," Kiriyenko said.
However, Iranian officials said on Tuesday that the nuclear station will be completed in two months after talks with Russian counterpart.
