Russia and Iran sign protocol on nuclear plant

Russia is Iran's closest major power ally and has helped water down international sanctions over its nuclear program, but the two have clashed over payments for Bushehr. Iran resumed payments last month but some were still outstanding.

"If this plan is implemented, a part of the issues linked to the financing of Iran's first atomic station will be resolved," Irina Yesipova, spokeswoman for the Russian company Atomstroiexport, said after talks in Moscow.

She did not elaborate on what remained to be resolved and said another round of talks was due to be held in Tehran in May.

Yesipova said Atomstroiexport received no money between the end of January and the end of March.

"The talks have finished on a mainly positive note," she said. The deputy head of Iran's atomic energy agency, Ahmad Fayazbakhsh, was in Moscow for the talks.

Analysts have said Moscow is taking a tougher line with Tehran because of concerns about its nuclear program.

The United States and some European Union countries suspect Iran has secret plans to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran says its nuclear program is only for power.

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini told reporters recent statements from some Russian officials had been contradictory.

"If the Russians are not committed to the opening of the power plant ... its first effect will be the questioning of the Russians' reputation," he said.

(Additional reporting by Tehran bureau)

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