Topics in Brief

• Pages: 102-103

Page 102

Russian and U S. officials sign agreement to advance peaceful uses of nuclear energy

On May 6, the United States Ambassador to Russia and the Russian Director of the State Corporation for Atomic Energy (Rosatom) signed an Agreement between the two nations to further their mutual Cooperation in the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (a.k.a. 123 Agreement). When it enters into force, this Agreement will set up the needed legal basis for U.S.-Russian cooperation with respect to using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Both nations will benefi t from the arrangement. It will be a good thing for U.S. industry because it contemplates letting U.S. and Russian companies team up in carrying out joint nuclear ventures. It will also allow U.S. industry to sell nuclear materials, reactors and major reactor components to Russia on a commercial basis. Finally, it will buttress U.S.-Russian nonproliferation cooperation under bilateral programs and other initiatives in the civil uses of nuclear energy. For instance, it carries further the Declaration on Nuclear Energy and Non proliferation of July 3, 2007 and the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. President Bush will probably submit the Agreement for Congressional consideration in the near future.

citation: Press Statement #2008/358, Sean McCormack, Spokesman, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

Macedonia and United States have signed declaration on strategic planning and cooperation

On May 7, the U.S. Secretary of State and the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Macedonia signed a joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership and Cooperation. It affirms the purpose of our two governments to further expand and deepen the partnership between our two countries based upon our common goals, interests, and values. The Declaration seeks to enhance our relationship and to broaden cooperation across the range of our bilateral relations, including in the areas of security, people-to-people ties, and commerce. With our troops serving side-by-side in Iraq and...