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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

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Serbia, Russia sign agreement on nuclear waste export

Belgrade, 10 June 2009

Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration and Minister of Science and Technological Development Bozidar Djelic signed today an agreement concerning cooperation with the Russian government for exporting nuclear fuel to a research reactor in Russia with Director General of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation Sergey Kiriyenko.

Djelic said that the agreement, concerning the export of nuclear fuel from the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences to Russia, will help Serbia reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism, adding that it is of great importance for Serbia’s EU integration and international cooperation in general.

Kiriyenko pointed out that according to the agreement around 3 tonnes of nuclear waste containing highly enriched uranium will be imported from Serbia.

He explained that it would be too complicated to use nuclear waste for the production of nuclear weapons but some terrorist organisation could certainly make use of it.

The route to Russia for the transport of the nuclear waste has been mapped, he said, adding that this July the equipment necessary for transportation will be installed and staff trained to handle it.

Kiriyenko voiced his belief that the nuclear waste will most likely be transferred into containers this autumn.

Djelic specified that the entire project will cost $54 million, adding that $25 million still needs to be procured and Serbia will secure $10 million from the budget.

We have found resources for the remaining $15 million, but we have to find another $9.2 million for the compensation for permanent storage of nuclear waste, he noted.

The agreement signed today has opened the door for a more detailed trade agreement which will specify the details of the arrangement, as well as possibilities for further cooperation, primarily in the exchange of knowledge when it comes to applying nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes.