Russia, RI sgree on nuke cooperation

Russia, RI sgree on nuke cooperation

Associated Press, Moscow

The Russian government has approved a draft of an agreement with
Indonesia on cooperation in the nuclear energy industry, the
Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday.

The draft, which the government said had been discussed with
Indonesia, calls for the two countries to exchange nuclear
materials, equipment and technology while fulfilling their
obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and other
international export control agreements, Interfax said, citing
the government press service.

It said Indonesia would be forbidden to use the materials and
technologies its receives from Russia to create explosive nuclear
devices.

The agreement says that Russia and Indonesia will work
together on developing nuclear power plants and research
reactors, as well as other project. It does not mention specific
projects.

Russia's Nuclear Energy Ministry is building reactors for
power plants in China, India and Iran and is actively seeking
more deals abroad.

The United States is concerned about its cooperation with
Iran, saying it could help Tehran develop nuclear weapons.

Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri visited Moscow in
April and signed a friendship treaty with Russian President
Vladimir Putin.