 Russia says Burma nuclear talks only preliminary
May 18, 2007 (DVB)—Russian nuclear contractor Atomstroyexport told DVB today that talks over the construction of a research reactor in Burma were preliminary and that further agreements would be needed before building could start.
Atomstroyexport's press secretary Irina Esipova told DVB that it was still too early to discuss the site, cost and detailed logistics for the project.
"The place of construction for the Centre for Nuclear Research has not been defined yet. It is too soon to talk about the cost. Many things influence [it]—primarily, a customer's wish and the selection of the necessary equipment," Esipova said.
She also said that while it was likely Russian experts would be sent to Burma to work on the project in the future, talks would continue for some time before this was considered.
"It is also too soon to talk about the start of the construction. Many additional questions have to be solved before that," Esipova said.
Atomstroyexport also released an official statement yesterday downplaying the significance of the reported agreement signed at a meeting between the company and Burma's minister for science and technology on May 15, saying the two countries had only taken the first steps towards nuclear cooperation.
"During the meeting there was some discussion of the preliminary procedure for preparing a contract for the construction of [the nuclear centre] . . .," Atomstroyexport said in a Russian-language statement.
The release of the statement appeared to be an attempt by the nuclear contractor to ease international concern over the project after the United Nation's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said yesterday that Burma had failed to notify them of the development.
Atomstroyexport also appeared to try to ease concern over the purpose of the facility, saying it was designed for purely peaceful purposes.
"The Centre for Nuclear Research of [Burma] would conduct a large range of research in the field of nuclear sciences and biotechnology research into the properties of materials, and will produce a wide range of medical pharmaceuticals," Atomstroyexport said.
The IAEA today refused to give further comments on the issue.
Reporting by Jessicah Curtis
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