RUSSIAN-BUILT BUSHEHR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN SOUTHERN IRAN, 2003-03-11 (photo)

Cranes tower over the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power reactor in southwestern Iran which Iranian officials opened up to journalists during an organised media visit to the plant on March 11, 2003. Officials told journalists that the plant, which Washington fears is part of a programme to build nuclear weapons, would receive its first shipment of enriched uranium from Russia in May. The 1000 MW plant is due to become operational in the second half of 2004. Iran denies any intention of building nuclear weapons but the United States on March 11 urged Iran to accept tighter inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl REUTERS PJH/FMS