US-Russia civil nuclear deal goes into effect
Source: Agencies |
January 12, 2011, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A new agreement that will allow American companies to export nuclear energy technology to Russia went into effect yesterday, with the US ambassador describing it as "major step forward" in joint efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear power.
The civil nuclear agreement, which cleared the US Congress last month, allows the United States and Russia to exchange technology, engage in joint commercial nuclear power ventures and work more closely in combating nuclear proliferation.
US Ambassador John Beyrle said the agreement opens the door to higher levels of cooperation, including the joint design of new technologies.
"These new technologies will help us combat the global threat of nuclear proliferation and also create new commercial opportunities for American and Russian companies to produce cleaner, more reliable and safer nuclear energy," he said, speaking in Russian at a ceremony to formally bring the agreement into effect.
Moscow hopes it will lead to major contracts for its nuclear industry, including projects to enrich uranium and produce uranium fuel.
"What we are trying to achieve is to create new - I would even say innovative - technologies of the nuclear fuel cycle, develop the reactor technologies to provide on the one hand economic and energy efficiency … and on the other hand to reduce the risks of the potential improper use of the nuclear materials needed for these activities," said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
The deal with Russia was long hampered by political obstacles. The Bush administration first submitted it to Congress in May 2008, but then angrily withdrew it later over Russia's war with Georgia in August 2008.
President Barack Obama resubmitted the agreement to Congress last year as part of his efforts to "reset" ties with Russia. It also was seen as a reward for Russia supporting the latest set of UN sanctions against Iran.
The civil nuclear deal is known as the 123 agreement because its requirements are set in section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act.
The agreement comes as Russia approaches finalization of a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. The pact, known as New START, was ratified by the US Senate last month and is to be considered for ratification by the Russian parliament this month.
The civil nuclear agreement, which cleared the US Congress last month, allows the United States and Russia to exchange technology, engage in joint commercial nuclear power ventures and work more closely in combating nuclear proliferation.
US Ambassador John Beyrle said the agreement opens the door to higher levels of cooperation, including the joint design of new technologies.
"These new technologies will help us combat the global threat of nuclear proliferation and also create new commercial opportunities for American and Russian companies to produce cleaner, more reliable and safer nuclear energy," he said, speaking in Russian at a ceremony to formally bring the agreement into effect.
Moscow hopes it will lead to major contracts for its nuclear industry, including projects to enrich uranium and produce uranium fuel.
"What we are trying to achieve is to create new - I would even say innovative - technologies of the nuclear fuel cycle, develop the reactor technologies to provide on the one hand economic and energy efficiency … and on the other hand to reduce the risks of the potential improper use of the nuclear materials needed for these activities," said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
The deal with Russia was long hampered by political obstacles. The Bush administration first submitted it to Congress in May 2008, but then angrily withdrew it later over Russia's war with Georgia in August 2008.
President Barack Obama resubmitted the agreement to Congress last year as part of his efforts to "reset" ties with Russia. It also was seen as a reward for Russia supporting the latest set of UN sanctions against Iran.
The civil nuclear deal is known as the 123 agreement because its requirements are set in section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act.
The agreement comes as Russia approaches finalization of a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. The pact, known as New START, was ratified by the US Senate last month and is to be considered for ratification by the Russian parliament this month.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
