Russian government approves draft of nuclear power deal with Indonesia

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

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 Sukarnoputri visited Moscow in April and signed a friendship treaty with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Associated Press