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Chavez Building Reactor With Russian Support

Only for 'peaceful purposes,' Chavez insists

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 29, 2008 4:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – In his latest challenge to Washington, Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez has announced that his nation is developing a nuclear reactor—with Russian support, Reuters reports. "We are interested in development of nuclear energy, of course for peaceful purposes—for medical purposes, for electricity," Chavez said yesterday at a political rally. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin offered to help with a reactor, and "we already have a commission working on this issue," he added.

Venezuela abandoned previous efforts to develop a nuclear reactor under US pressure. Chavez has supported Iran's nuclear program, despite widespread condemnation. He expelled the US ambassador last month. Russia is becoming a major new player in the tensions between the US and Venezuela, stepping up cooperation with Chavez after the US and other Western nations condemned Russia's incursion into Georgia.

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Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has announced plans to develop nuclear energy in co-operation with Russia. It is seen as another challenge to Washington by Chavez. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez talks with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Moscow. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

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In Venezuela we are interested in development of nuclear energy. Brazil has various nuclear reactors, so does Argentina. We will
have ours. - Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela

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Chavez Building Reactor With Russian Support