IRAN, RUSSIA SAID TO AGREE ON NUKE ACCORD

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran and Russia were said to have completed an accord that would ensure the completion of the Bushehr nuclear reactor.

Iranian officials said that after nearly two years of delays Moscow and Teheran have agreed on the return of spent nuclear fuel to Russia. The officials said a Russian delegation would arrive in Teheran over the weekend to sign the agreement.

"A fuel deal for the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be signed on Feb. 26," Iranian Atomic Energy Organization deputy director Assadollah Sabouri said.

Other Iranian officials confirmed the planned arrival of the Russian delegation. The delegation was expected to be led by the head of Russia's atomic energy agency.