Brazil denounces nuclear bond with Chavez

BRASILIA, Brazil, May 23, 2005 -- United Press International

Brazilian officials said Monday they would not cooperate with Venezuela on nuclear energy development if the process involved Iran.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said during the weekend he was interested in nuclear energy for his country and would like to partner with Iran on nuclear projects.

He also mentioned the possibility of working with Brazil and Argentina, both of which have established nuclear programs for power production.

"We are interested. We need to start to work in nuclear energy with Brazil, Argentina and other countries," Chavez said.

Officials in Brazil's Science and Technology Ministry said they have yet to receive a formal proposal from the Venezuelan government on the nuclear issue. But they made it clear they would not take part if Iran was involved.

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