Bush, Putin plan agreement on civilian nuclear energy

Washington (Platts)--17Jul2006

The US and Russia agreed at the G8 summit in St. Petersburg to prepare an
agreement promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy. In a joint statement
Monday, President Bush and President Putin said the agreement would reflect
the Bush administration's Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, which aims to
develop innovative nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technologies, and a previous
Russian proposal to establish a system of international centers to provide
uranium enrichment and other nuclear fuel services.

"Following up on these initiatives, the United States and the Russian
Federation intend to work together, actively involving the [International
Atomic Energy Agency], to allow all nations to enjoy the benefits of nuclear
energy without pursuing uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing
capabilities," Bush and Putin said.

The presidents' statement, as well as broader summit statements on global
energy security and nuclear nonproliferation, reiterate prior commitments to
guard against nuclear terrorism.

"This particular statement focuses on the dangers of nuclear terrorism,"
Anthony Wier, a research associate with the John F Kennedy School of
Government's Project on Managing the Atom, said in praising the presidents'
declaration. "If nuclear energy is going to play a critical role in the
future, it's essential to have the security to prevent nuclear terrorism."

Bush and Putin's statement also praised India for its "important
nonproliferation commitments" and said they are "especially concerned" by
Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear program.

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