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US, Bahrain sign deal on nuclear energy cooperation: US
Washington (AFP) March 24, 2008 The United States and Bahrain signed a deal Monday on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, holding it up as a model for the Middle East that contrasts with Iran's disputed atomic program. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on nuclear energy cooperation was signed by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Bahraini counterpart Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa during a ceremony at the State Department. The two top diplomats shook hands without delivering any remarks to journalists. The State Department said the MOU is a "tangible expression of the United States' desire to cooperate with states in the Middle East, and elsewhere, that want to develop peaceful nuclear power in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety, security and nonproliferation." In so doing, they will "serve as models for the responsible pursuit of the benefits of nuclear technology," the department said in a statement. "This MOU reflects Bahrain's commitment to serve as a model in the region." It pointed out that "Bahrain affirmed its intention to forgo sensitive fuel cycle technologies and rely on existing international markets for nuclear fuel," saying its approach "stands in direct contrast to Iran's nuclear activities." It said US President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin stressed such an approach in the Joint Declaration on Nuclear Energy and Nonproliferation that they issued on July 3 last year. The UN Security Council this month adopted a third resolution threatening tougher sanctions against Iran for its repeated refusal to halt its uranium enrichment program which Washington fears will be used to build an atomic bomb. Tehran insists its program is peaceful. Amid concerns over Iran's nuclear aims and regional clout, Bahrain and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members decided in December 2006 to develop a joint nuclear technology program for peaceful uses. The five other members of the pro-Western (GCC) are the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. To further demonstrate Bahrain's commitment to ensure "that sensitive nuclear-related materials stay out of the hands of the most dangerous individuals," Sheikh Khalid handed Rice a diplomatic note endorsing the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), the State Department said. It said Bahrain is the 67th nation to join the GICNT -- launched in June 2006 by Bush and Putin to reinforce control of nuclear facilities and materials in order to prevent terrorist groups from accessing them. Related Links Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Science, Nuclear Technology Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Turkey invites bids to build first nuclear power plant
Ankara (AFP) March 24, 2008Turkey's energy minister on Monday invited bids for the construction of country's first nuclear power plant, which is to be built on the Mediterranean coast despite strong opposition from environmentalists. |
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