Putin promises Iran continued nuclear aid

TEHRAN, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin promised his Iranian counterpart Tuesday that Russia will finish the nuclear reactor at Bushehr.

Putin and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held a private meeting after a summit meeting in Tehran of the five nations that border the Caspian Sea, The Times of London reported.

During the summit, Putin said that Russia opposes any use of force against Iran. Leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazahkstan and Iran agreed that all would oppose any attack on a member country.

State television in Iran said that Putin promised continued help with Iran's "peaceful nuclear program." In Moscow, the news media reported that Putin specifically promised to complete the Bushehr reactor.

Construction has been delayed because of disputes about payment.

The Bush administration, charging that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, allegedly is considering a military strike if Iran refuses to give up its nuclear program.