U.S., Russia extend nuclear agreement

WASHINGTON, Mar 24, 2011 -- UPI

U.S. officials Thursday announced the signing of an agreement to extend nuclear security cooperation with Russian nuclear agencies for seven additional years.

Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman announced the pact, which will allow the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to continue its work with the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service of Russia (Rostechnadzor) to enhance its nuclear security regulations and inspection and training capabilities, a U.S. Department of Energy release said.

Poneman spoke at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Washington.

Originally signed in 1995, the agreement is part of the strong bilateral partnership in implementing the nuclear security agenda outlined by President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Poneman said.

"The United States and Russia remain committed partners in improving global nuclear security, combating weapons proliferation, and preventing dangerous nuclear equipment and materials from falling into the wrong hands," he said.

"This agreement, and NNSA's ongoing work in Russia, are vital to reducing international nuclear threats and implementing President Obama's ambitious nuclear security agenda."

NNSA and Rostechnadzor have worked to strengthen Russia's nuclear security regulations and to enhance inspection and training capabilities.

"Rostechnadzor is committed to continuing our open partnership with DOE NNSA to improve worldwide nuclear security," Rostechnadzor Chairman Nikolay Kutin said.

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