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U.S. Officials Discuss Russia's Nuclear Plans

7/31/2002

LCG, July 31, 2002-Just following Russia's announcement of plans to build nuclear plants in Iran, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Undersecretary of State John Bolton traveled to Russia to talk with Russian officials about nuclear proliferation.

Earlier this week, the Russian government announced intentions to continue construction of the Bushehr nuclear plant and in the future to carry out the construction of a second nuclear power plant in Iran. The $800 million worth of projects would involve constructing up to six nuclear reactors.

The Bush administration has been urging Russia to back out of its agreement with Iran because of fears that nuclear technology could be turned to military applications. Russian officials insist that the nuclear design would prevent any other use beyond electricity production.

The meeting between Russian and U.S. officials was planned before the Russian announcement. A news conference addressing a to-be-released report about Russian-U.S. joint efforts in proliferation-resistant nuclear fuel technology was called off, reportedly because of an itinerary change.

Whether or not the Iran nuclear projects have been discussed has not been revealed, although a State Department spokesman said that the U.S. officials would express concerns about the Iranian endeavors.

Bolton and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Mamedov were also to discuss nuclear weapons cuts and anti-missile defense systems.