MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Talks for an OPEC gas cartel advancing announces Iran

Algeria, Iran, Qatar, and Russia are holding consultations on the creation of an OPEC-like gas cartel, with the structure of the organization being the main topic on the agenda, said Iranian Ambassador to Russia Gholmreza Ansari.

"Gas producers are currently holding talks on the creation of a certain OPEC-like structure. The countries are Iran, Russia, Algeria and Qatar" Ansari said, adding that Tehran views these talks in a positive manner. "We hope that the creation of a relevant organization will be a result of the talks, which we view in a positive manner. We hope that the creation of this organization will bring good not only to producers but also consumers, and will contribute to the efficient use of this type of energy," the diplomat said. "Of course, one of the issues, which this organization will address, deals with gas deliveries to international markets. However, it seems to me that the structure of the organization is a priority now" Ansari said. Speaking about Iran's relations with the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the diplomat said the UN SC should postpone the adoption of a new resolution on Iran, which could toughen sanctions against it, and refer the Iran issue back to the IAEA. As to Russian-Iranian nuclear energy cooperation, Tehran is planning to commission the nuclear power plant in Bushehr as early as 2008, Ansari said. "We are hoping for swift completion of the physical launch of the NPP. Hopefully, the plant will be commissioned and powered and that it will happen in 2008" the ambassador said. The amount of fuel available in Iran is enough for the power plant to start its work, he added. "The amount of fuel delivered initially is enough for the NPP to be able to work. During the first stage Iran received 82 tons of fuel shipped in eight consignments" revealed Ansari who also talked about another NPP project in Dar Khovin. "This is a 360-megawatt NPP which was designed by Iranian engineers and specialists. Hopefully, the early stages of the construction of this NPP will be successfully completed and it will be commissioned," Ansari said.