***************************************************************** 10/23/06 **** RADIATION BULLETIN(RADBULL) **** VOL 14.251 ***************************************************************** RADBULL IS PRODUCED BY THE ABALONE ALLIANCE CLEARINGHOUSE ***************************************************************** Send News Stories to news@energy-net.org with title on subject line and first line of body NUCLEAR POLICY 1 The Way the World Ends 2 Haaretz: Putin to PM: Using force against Iran could end in disaster 3 IRNA: Atomic weapons have no room in Iran's defensive strategy- envo 4 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: IRI ready to resume N-talks - Elham 5 AFP: Iran defiant on nuclear as sanctions loom 6 AFP: UN talks on Iran sanctions could take weeks - US 7 AFP: Iran vows no retreat on nuclear programme 8 Guardian Unlimited: Ahmadinejad: Iran's Nuke Capability Up 9 UPI: Spokesman: Iran ready for nuclear talks 10 Guardian Unlimited: Olmert Appeals to World on Iran Threats 11 Guardian Unlimited: Diplomats: Iran Expanding Enrichment 12 Korea Herald: Nuke test a turning point in Korea-U.S. ties 13 INSIDE JoongAng Daily: Bank sees North pain if sanctions take hold 14 AFP: Japan government says poll win backs NKorea stance 15 Korea Times: NK Not Preparing for 2nd Test 16 Korea Times: Ban to Discuss Nukes With Chinese Leader 17 Korea Times: Coup Possible in Pyongyang 18 Korea Times: Assessing Blame, Examining Motives 19 AFP: Next UN leader to visit China for NKorea talks 20 AFP: Mixed signals over NKorean desire to return to nuke talks - 21 AFP: Mixed signals over NKorean desire to return to nuke talks - 22 UPI: China's N. Korea policy changes 23 UPI: PLA unhappy with North Korea 24 UPI: Japan to deploy missile-warning system 25 UPI: North says it is ready for talks 26 Guardian Unlimited: North Korea Said to Be Willing to Talk 27 Guardian Unlimited: China's interests go well beyond the nuclear iss 28 UN NUCLEAR CHIEF MEETS WITH US SECRETARY RICE; CALLS FOR TALKS WITH 29 [NYTr] The Way the World Ends: Caldicott on Nukes 30 [du-list] Dai Williams study on weapons used Lebanon 31 IPS-English MIDDLE EAST-UN: Israel must open up its nuclear 32 BBC: Nuclear claims over weapons site 33 Bellona: Abramovich talks alternative energy with Iceland NUCLEAR REACTORS 34 US: NC WARN: State Cites S Harris Security Violations 35 US: NRC: NRC Finds No Significant Environmental Impacts from Extende 36 HindustanTimes.com: Romania backs India on civil nuclear issue 37 US: newsobserver.com: Review of request to shut down Harris delayed 38 Russia-InfoCentre: Atomic Scientists To Have Venture Funding 39 US: Newswise: Plutonium Or Greenhouse Gases? Weighing the Energy Opt 40 Scotsman.com: British Energy juggles nuclear power plant outages 41 US: TPMCafe: 'Nuclear Renaissance': 29 New US Nuclear Power Plant Li NUCLEAR SECURITY 42 US: UPI: Analysis: Terror goes beyond cargo ships NUCLEAR SAFETY 43 [NukeNet] X-Zone Talk Radio - US forces' use of depleted 44 [DU List] Dai Williams study on weapons used Lebanon 45 [NukeNet] Scotland: 300 islanders accuse UK government of 46 US: PennLive.com: Study asks: How bad would a nuclear accident be? 47 globeandmail.com: Cancer fund to explore environmental links to illn 48 US: OneWorld UK: U.S. Public at Risk from Radiation - Scientists 49 Japan Times: All towns to get missile, disaster alert device NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE 50 US: TheStar.com: Flood containment fails at Cameco mine 51 NRC: In the Matter of USEC Inc. (American Centrifuge Plant) and All 52 Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation: Hearings into nuclear waste 53 US: NewsRoom Finland: Areva to apply for further Finnish uranium pro 54 Pahrump Valley Times: 'Mina' route hearings are set PEACE 55 Japan Times: Waves build against carrier US DEPT. OF ENERGY 56 AP Wire: Critics say SRS can't handle dangerous material 57 DOE: Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Nevada 58 DOE: Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridg 59 NewsBlaze: DOE's Rocky Flats Cleanup Site Named 2006 Project of the ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** FULL NEWS STORIES ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** 1 The Way the World Ends Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:55:10 -0500 (CDT) X-Sender-Host-Name: chumbly.math.missouri.edu X-DSPAM-Result: mail; result="Innocent"; class="Whitelisted"; probability=0.0000; confidence=1.00; signature=N/A X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY The Way the World Ends With all the hype about North Korea, we're forgetting that the world is still staring down the barrels of thousands of U.S. and Russian ICBMs by Helen Caldicott Published on Saturday, October 21, 2006 by The Ottawa Citizen (Canada) http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1021-24.htm It is difficult to underestimate the problems associated with North Korea's recent nuclear weapons test. Following a small atomic explosion in a mountainous area of North Korea of less than one kiloton -- the Hiroshima bomb was 13 kilotons -- the U.S. administration is encouraging draconian economic sanctions to be enacted against a desperately poor country where millions of people are malnourished and that will further ostracize a paranoid regime, while the rest of the world looks on with horror as the nuclear arms race threatens to spiral out of control. While lateral proliferation is indeed an incredibly serious problem as ever-more countries prepare to enter the portals of the nuclear club, one consistent outstanding nuclear threat that continues to endanger most planetary species is ignored by the international community. In fact, the real "rogue" nations that continue to hold the world at nuclear ransom are Russia and the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the threat of a massive nuclear attack -- whether by accident, human fallibility or malfeasance -- has increased. Of the 30,000 nuclear weapons in the world today, the United States and Russia possess 96 per cent of them. Of these, Russia aims most of its 8,200 strategic nuclear warheads at U.S. and Canadian targets, while the U.S. aims most of its 7,000 offensive strategic hydrogen bombs on Russian missile silos and command centres. Each of these thermonuclear warheads has roughly 20 times the destructive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, according to a report on nuclear weapons by the National Resources Defense Council, a U.S. environmental group. Of these 7,000 U.S. strategic weapons, 2,500 are deployed on intercontinental ballistic missiles that are constantly maintained on hair-trigger alert ready for immediate launching, while the U.S. also maintains some 2,688 hydrogen bombs on missiles in its 14 Trident submarines, most ready for instantaneous launching. According to the Center for Defense Information, a group that analyzes U.S. defence policy, in the event of a suspected attack, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Air Command has only three minutes to decide if a nuclear attack warning is valid. He has 10 minutes to locate the president for a 30-second briefing on attack options, and the president then has three minutes to decide to launch the warheads and to consider which pre-set targeting plan to use. Once launched, the missiles would take 10 to 30 minutes to reach their Russian targets. An almost identical situation prevails in Russia, except unlike the combined U.S. and Canadian NORAD early-warning equipment, the Russian system is decaying rapidly, its early-warning satellites are almost non- functional and it now relies on a relatively primitive over-the-horizon radar to warn it of an imminent secret first-strike attack from the United States. The Russian military and political leaders are suitably paranoid about this extraordinary post-Cold-War situation. So much so that in January 1995 president Boris Yeltsin came to within 10 seconds of launching his nuclear armada when the launch of a Norwegian weather satellite was misinterpreted in Moscow as a pre-emptive U.S. nuclear attack. Most towns and cities with populations over 50,000 on the North American continent are targeted with at least one hydrogen bomb. Only 1,000 bombs exploding on 100 cities could induce nuclear winter and the end of most life on earth. There are fewer than 300 major cities in the Northern hemisphere. Such is the redundancy of nuclear weapons. A U.S. Foreign Military Studies Office report of January 2002, "Prototypes for Targeting America, a Soviet Military Assessment," states that New York City, for example, is the single most important target in the Atlantic region after major military installations. A U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment report, commissioned in the 1980s but still relevant, estimated that Soviet nuclear war plans had two one-megaton bombs aimed at each of three airports that serve New York, one aimed at each of the major bridges, two at Wall Street and two at each of four oil refineries. The major rail centres and power stations were also targeted, along with the port facilities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that New York City would be obliterated by nuclear blasts and the resulting firestorms and fallout. Millions of people would die instantly. Survivors would perish shortly thereafter from burns and exposure to radiation. Terrifyingly, the early warning systems of both Russia and the U.S. register false alarms daily, triggered either by wildfires, satellite launchings or solar reflections off clouds or oceans. Of more immediate concern in both the United States and Russia is the threat of terrorists or hackers entering and disrupting the computerized early warning systems and command centres. Therefore, as the world tries to come to terms with a possible tiny new entrant into the nuclear club, the U.S. Security Council, the U.S. administration, the U.S. Congress, the Canadian government and the Kremlin fail to recognize the most serious danger -- thousands of hydrogen bombs maintained on tenuous hair-trigger alert. What has induced this state of global psychic numbing, and why are these issues never officially addressed? Now that Russia and the U.S. maintain a friendly working relationship, it is time to reinvigorate the extraordinary precedent established by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavic in 1988, to urgently agree to abolish nuclear weapons bilaterally. Only then will the nuclear superpowers have the moral authority to legitimately and actively promote multilateral nuclear disarmament through the United Nations and to police other countries to discourage lateral proliferation. France and China have already agreed to abolish their nuclear weapons should the superpowers disarm. Israel, Pakistan and India, who have not signed the Non- Proliferation Treaty, would need extra pressure. Nobel Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has called for a clear road map for nuclear disarmament to be established. Time is not on our side. ***************************************************************** 2 Haaretz: Putin to PM: Using force against Iran could end in disaster - Russian President Putin (right) and PM Olmert speaking to reporters in Moscow on Wednesday. (AP) Last update - 16:04 22/10/2006 By Yossi Melman, Haaretz Correspondent Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced any military operation against Iran in a meeting last week with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Putin told Olmert in the Moscow meeting that foiling Iran's nuclear program could end in disaster for the world. Russian sources attached great importance to the Russian president's first mention of a military option in talks with an Israeli leader. Olmert also discussed the Iranian nuclear program with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, in the first meeting in eleven years between an Israeli premier and a Russian defense minister. During his meeting with Putin, Olmert didn't talk about a military operation, but emphasized that responsibility for handling Tehran lies also with Russia, not only the U.S. The Russian president recounted that in past talks with U.S. President George W. Bush and his aides, he had discussed how to prevent Iranian acquisition of nuclear arms. In those discussions, Putin asked if the U.S. could conduct a military operation and had a clear plan. He said the Americans didn't answer. Putin's comments can be interpreted in two ways. It is either possible that the Americans evaded the question, or that they do not have effective military capability or an operational plan to bring to a substantial setback to the Iranian nuclear program. In any case, the Putin administration believes that only negotiations will prevent or at least delay Iranian nuclear ambitions. This is why military action against Tehran is not an option for Russia. Olmert asked Putin to join an American-European move to impose severe sanctions on Iran, which he referred to in a press briefing saying, "The Iranians need to be afraid that what they don't want to happen will actually happen to them." The Prime Minister's Office declined to provide a statement and said they do not comment on the content of the premier's meetings in Moscow. Israel hopes that if Iran does not obey international demands and does not stop enriching uranium, Russia will threaten not to complete construction of the Bushehr nuclear reactor and not to supply the uranium needed to fuel it. The Bushehr reactor, intended to generate electricity, is about four years behind schedule in starting operations. Russian and Western sources attribute the delay to both technical problems in the construction of the reactor and to Russian government decisions. Israeli and American experts do not believe Moscow is interested in Iran having nuclear weapons. The UN Security Council is continuing in its efforts to draft a formula for sanctions that is acceptable to all five permanent members. © Copyright Haaretz. All rights reserved ***************************************************************** 3 IRNA: Atomic weapons have no room in Iran's defensive strategy- envoy Kuala Lumpur, Oct 23, IRNA Iran-Thailand-Nuclear Iranian Ambassador to Thailand Mohsen Pak-Ayeen in Bangkok on Sunday dismissed allegations made by the West against Iran's peaceful nuclear program by saying nuclear weapons have no room in Tehran's defensive strategy. "Sending Iran's nuclear dossier to the United Nations Security Council will just divert it from the main path and will bear no fruit," he said. Highlighting the leading role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in resolving nuclear disputes, he said "Iran has positive cooperation with the agency" and its nuclear case should be discussed in the IAEA. "Iran's nuclear program will give greater impetus to current efforts to establish international peace," the ambassador said. He stressed the importance of continued negotiations with Europe, and added that "talks based on mutual respect and observance of the rights of parties will be the only solution to Iran's nuclear case." Referring to criticisms of Iran's peaceful nuclear activities, he said the "era of threats or imposition of sanctions has passed in international relations." "International disputes are now best settled through negotiations." Pointing to the crimes committed by the Zionist regime in occupied lands, he said that "the unity of Muslims and close coordination between Hezbollah and Hamas in their struggle against Zionism prevented the US and Israel from changing the map of the Middle East. "The tragic events in Lebanon show that Israel is the main threat to peace and security in the Middle East." "Since the victory of Hezbollah over the Zionist regime in the 33-day war in Lebanon, "international opposition to the illegitimate regime of Qods has entered a new phase." Condemning the unceasing atrocities that are committed by the Zionist regime against Palestine, Pak-Ayeen said "the Zionist regime's terrorist moves have discredited the US and countries which support it." ***************************************************************** 4 IRIB PERSIAN NEWS: IRI ready to resume N-talks - Elham 2006/10/23 Government Spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said in Tehran on Monday that IR. of Iran was ready to hold nuclear talks within the framework of international regulations. Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference, he stressed Iran's inalienable right to have access to peaceful nuclear technology. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to hold talks on issues of mutual interest," he said. Asked whether Iran would suspend enrichment in view of Sunday's remarks by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini that the issue could be discussed at the talks, he said Hosseini's "remarks had been misquoted by the media." However, he added that "If the conditions of the negotation were fair, this issue could be discussed." "Suspension of enrichment was not the subject of Hosseini's remarks," Elham said. mk Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved By Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting News Network Sponsored By IRIB News Computer Center. E-Mail: Info@IRIBNEWS.ir ***************************************************************** 5 AFP: Iran defiant on nuclear as sanctions loom Monday October 23, 05:45 PM [Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] TEHRAN (AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has vowed his country will not retreat even "an inch" over its nuclear programme despite the mounting threat of UN sanctions. "Today, the Iranian nation demands the full use of nuclear energy and this is the demand of all Iranians, in every city and village, young and old. All Iranians stand by this and will not retreat even an inch," Ahmadinejad said in a speech broadcast live on state television on Monday. His comments came as Britain, ADVERTISEMENT [ src=] France and Germany draw up a draft sanctions resolution to put to the UN Security Council after Iran refused to obey repeated deadlines to suspend uranium enrichment. Western countries fear Iran is secretly trying to build nuclear weapons, but the Islamic republic insists its programme is solely aimed at generating energy. "Iranians will stand firm until we reach our nuclear goal and there is only one more step to go," he said in his address in Ray, a town south of Tehran, in reference to Iran's bid to master uranium enrichment. While Western nations on the Security Council are pushing for tough sanctions, Russia and China -- which both have strong economic ties with Iran -- are likely to oppose a severe regime. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in Moscow, refused to be drawn on what stance Russia would take. "At the moment, unfortunately or luckily, there is no resolution." "The consultations that we are currently conducting permit all the participants to better understand whether there are real prospects for finding an agreement that would open the way to negotiations," Lavrov said. If agreed, a first set of punitive measures would likely focus on banning the supply of material and funding for Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes. Other steps could include asset freezes and travel bans on nuclear scientists. Ahmadinejad's defiant stance was echoed by his top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, who held four rounds of talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana that failed to find a solution to a standoff. "If the Westerners move towards a radical move, their action will not win them much and will make the Islamic Republic of Iran determined to continue its nuclear programme," he said, according to the IRNA agency. Iranian government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham played down the consequences of possible sanctions: "The economic situation is in favour of the Islamic republic and there is no concern." He told reporters that the threat of sanctions on Iran -- OPEC's second largest producer -- was "psychological warfare" by world powers and that the nation was in a "very influential position" on the international scene. On Sunday, Tehran had warned it would take "appropriate measures" in retaliation for any punitive action over its nuclear work. Asked if any repercussions would have an effect on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for transporting oil out of the Gulf, foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said: "It depends on the kind of sanctions." Oil market participants have in the past expressed fears that Iran could block the strait in retaliation for sanctions and send the price of oil spiralling. But Iran's leaders have repeatedly vowed not to use oil as a weapon. AFP ***************************************************************** 6 AFP: UN talks on Iran sanctions could take weeks - US Mon Oct 23, 5:09 PM ET WASHINGTON (AFP) - The UN Security Council will likely discuss sanctions against Iran" /> Iranfor its controversial nuclear program for several weeks before voting on them, the US State Department said. Representatives at the United Nations" /> United Nationsof Britain, France and the United States have drawn up a draft sanctions resolution to put to the UN Security Council, but have not yet reached an agreement, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. "We, the French and the British -- I think that there's agreement, widespread agreement -- although not total agreement -- on the elements of a resolution, as well as how this resolution might relate to further diplomatic efforts," he said at a briefing with reporters. "And we have also been consulting with the Chinese as well as the Russians on this all along; although the core conversations have been among the P-3 (US, Britain and France)," he said. Diplomats are considering a series of initial sanctions that could be imposed against the Iranian government for having ignored a UN Security Council deadline on August 31 to suspend its disputed uranium enrichment activities. The United States and other major powers fear Iran's uranium enrichment could be diverted to make nuclear weapons, but the Islamic republic insists its nuclear program is solely aimed at generating energy. China and Russia, which have significant economic interests in Iran, are reluctant to impose tough measures against Tehran. "I would expect that this is going to be one of the top items on the Security Council calendar for the next several weeks," McCormack said. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************** 7 AFP: Iran vows no retreat on nuclear programme Mon Oct 23, 8:47 AM ET TEHRAN (AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reiterated that his country will not retreat even "an inch" over its nuclear programme despite the mounting threat of UN sanctions. "Today, the Iranian nation demands the full use of nuclear energy and this is the demand of all Iranians, in every city and village, young and old. All Iranians stand by this and will not retreat even an inch," Ahmadinejad said in a speech broadcast live on state television Monday. His comments came as Britain, France and Germany draw up a draft sanctions resolution to put to the UN Security Council after Iran" /> Iranrefused to obey repeated deadlines to suspend uranium enrichment. Western countries fear Iran is secretly trying to build nuclear weapons, but the Islamic republic insists its programme is solely aimed at generating energy. "Iranians will stand firm until we reach our nuclear goal and there is only one more step to go," he said in his address in Ray, a town south of Tehran. While Western nations on the Security Council are pushing for tough sanctions, Russia and China -- which both have strong economic ties with Iran and are traditionally reluctant to use sanctions as a diplomatic tool -- are likely to oppose a severe regime. A first set of punitive measures would likely focus on banning the supply of material and funding for Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes. Other steps could include asset freezes and travel bans on nuclear scientists. Iranian government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham played down the consequences of possible sanctions, saying Monday: "The economic situation is in favour of the Islamic republic and there is no concern." He told reporters that the threat of sanctions on Iran -- a major OPEC" /> OPECoil exporter -- was "psychological warfare" by the major world powers and that the nation was in a "very influential position" on the international scene. On Sunday, Tehran had warned it would take "appropriate measures" in retaliation for any punitive action over its nuclear work. Asked if any repercussions would have an effect on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for transporting oil out of the Gulf, foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said: "It depends on the kind of sanctions." Iran's oil industry is likely to come under further pressure over falling oil prices and a recent OPEC decision to cut its quota by 1.2 million barrels per day, consequently decreasing the member countries' oil income. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************** 8 Guardian Unlimited: Ahmadinejad: Iran's Nuke Capability Up From the Associated Press [UP] Monday October 23, 2006 3:31 PM AP Photo XHS103 By NASSER KARIMI Associated Press Writer TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's nuclear capability has increased tenfold despite Western pressure to roll back its atomic program, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday. He did not elaborate, and the remarks appeared aimed primarily at rallying public support as the U.N. Security Council prepares to consider a draft resolution imposing limited sanctions on Iran because of its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment. ``The enemies, resorting to propaganda, want to block us from achieving (nuclear technology),'' Ahmadinejad told a crowd on the southern outskirts of Tehran. ``But they should know that today, the capability of our nation has multiplied tenfold over the same period last year.'' Ahmadinejad boasted that ``the power of our enemies is less than one-tenth of their power in last year.'' Enriching uranium is a key step to producing fuel either for a nuclear reactor or for a warhead. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The United States and some other countries have accused the Iranians of secretly seeking to build a bomb. In the speech, Ahmadinejad repeated that Iran was ready to negotiate with the West about its nuclear ambitions. But the West has insisted that Tehran first suspend enrichment. The Iranians disregarded an Aug. 31 deadline imposed by the Security Council to stop enrichment. They also turned down a package of incentives offered by the United States and its partners on condition that Iran ceases enrichment. Western diplomats say they expect to circulate a draft resolution at the United Nations in the coming days that would impose limited sanctions. It remains unclear whether Russia and China - both veto-wielding permanent council members - would go along with punitive measures. In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday he was hopeful that talks with the Iranians would resume and that there was a ``real chance'' for a negotiated settlement without sanctions. However, the EU external relations commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said Tehran had not responded positively to the incentives package and that the Security Council may need to explore ``another alternative.'' Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2006 ***************************************************************** 9 UPI: Spokesman: Iran ready for nuclear talks United Press International - NewsTrack - 10/23/2006 11:37:00 AM -0400 TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Iran said Monday it is ready to hold talks on its nuclear program even as other reports said it had threatened retaliation if U.N. sanctions are imposed. Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said Iran's readiness to hold talks must be within the framework of "international regulations," but stressed his country's rights to have access to peaceful nuclear technology, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reports. Asked whether Iran would suspend uranium enrichment in view of earlier remarks by Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini that the issue could be discussed at the talks, Elham said Hosseini had been misquoted, adding "suspension of enrichment was not the subject of Hosseini's remarks." But Elham also said "if the conditions of the negotiations were fair, this issue could be discussed." Separately, China's Xinhua news agency quoting IRNA reported that Hosseini had warned on Sunday that any economic sanctions on Iran will have repercussions both at bilateral, regional and international scales. Hosseini said Iran has so far advocated negotiations to resolve the issue. © Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 10 Guardian Unlimited: Olmert Appeals to World on Iran Threats From the Associated Press [UP] Monday October 23, 2006 1:01 PM AP Photo JRL119 By AMY TEIBEL Associated Press Writer JERUSALEM (AP) - Iran must be prevented from attaining nuclear weapons, and its threats to destroy Israel must not be taken lightly, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday. ``We have to prepare for the struggle to prevent this capability being attained,'' Olmert told a business conference, referring to the possibility of an Iranian nuclear weapon. ``This struggle is not just Israel's, it is not first and foremost Israel's.'' Israel considers Iran to be the greatest threat to its survival, and rejects Tehran's claim that its nuclear program is peaceful. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called for the Jewish state's destruction, and Iran already has missiles capable of carrying payloads to Israel. Olmert has raised the heat of Israel's anti-Iran rhetoric in recent days, warning last week that Tehran would have ``a price to pay'' if it does not back down from its atomic ambitions. Olmert did not specifically threaten to cripple the nuclear program in a military strike, as Israel did 25 years ago in Iraq when it bombed an unfinished reactor there. But he has been saying the Iranians ``have to be afraid'' of the consequences of their intransigence. The prime minister did say Monday that Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel must not be disregarded. ``It is inconceivable that ... a member of the United Nations continues to be received throughout the world as a legitimate leader while he stands up and says another U.N. member state should be wiped off the map,'' he said. ``We shall never repeat the mistakes of 60 years ago, of taking things lightly, ignoring what was being heard then when it was still possible to save lives,'' he added, in an allusion to the Nazi genocide of 6 million Jews in Europe. Military experts have questioned Israel's ability to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities, which are scattered among installations, with some underground. But they have said Israel could set the program back years by striking several of the sites. Support for U.N. sanctions against Iran has grown among members of the Security Council after weeks of talks between the European Union and Iran failed to persuade Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment, which can be a key process in bomb-building. Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2006 ***************************************************************** 11 Guardian Unlimited: Diplomats: Iran Expanding Enrichment From the Associated Press [UP] Monday October 23, 2006 9:46 PM AP Photo MOSB103 By GEORGE JAHN Associated Press Writer VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Iran is expanding its uranium enrichment program even as the U.N. Security Council focuses on possible sanctions for its defiance of a demand to give up the activity and ease fears it seeks nuclear weapons, diplomats said Monday. The diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to divulge the information to media, told The Associated Press that within the past few weeks Iranian nuclear experts had started up a second pilot enrichment facility. While the 164 centrifuges were not producing enriched uranium, even the decision to ``dry test'' them showed Iran's defiance of the Security Council. The council had set an Aug. 31 deadline for Tehran to cease all experiments linked to enrichment. It may start full deliberations on sanctions as early as later this week. Iran produced a small batch of low-enriched uranium - suitable as nuclear fuel but not weapons grade - in February, using its initial cascade of 164 centrifuges at its pilot plant at Natanz. The process of uranium enrichment can be used to generate electricity or to create an atomic weapon, depending on the level of enrichment. Iran said it plans to install 3,000 centrifuges at its enrichment plant in Natanz, central Iran, by the end of this year. Industrial production of enriched uranium in Natanz would require 54,000 centrifuges. Although it is nowhere near that goal, successful testing of other ``cascades'' would indicate that Tehran is slowly mastering the complexities of producing enriched uranium. A U.N. official said that even a ``dry-run'' allows Tehran ``to develop the technology, to make sure that things work.'' Another U.N. official said Iran had the technical means to start the second cascade several months ago, but apparently had decided to wait until the recent collapse of EU attempts to revive negotiations on an enrichment freeze with the Islamic republic. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which has taken the lead in probing Tehran's nuclear program since the existence of a clandestine enrichment program was revealed more than three years ago, could not be reached for comment and issued no official confirmation. Ali Ashgar Soltanieh, the chief Iranian envoy to the IAEA, said he had no knowledge of ``new developments'' at Natanz. But he told the AP that all nuclear activities ``are going on as planned.'' In Tehran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country's nuclear capability has increased tenfold despite Western pressure to roll back its atomic program, which Iran insists is peaceful. ``The enemies, resorting to propaganda, want to block us from achieving (nuclear technology),'' Ahmadinejad told a crowd on the southern outskirts of Tehran. ``But they should know that today, the capability of our nation has multiplied tenfold over the same period last year.'' Ahmadinejad boasted that ``the power of our enemies is less than one-tenth of their power in last year.'' He did not elaborate, and the remarks appeared aimed primarily at rallying public support as the U.N. Security Council prepares to consider limited sanctions. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The United States and dozens of other countries fear, however, that it is secretly trying to make nuclear arms. Ahmadinejad repeated that Iran was ready to negotiate about its nuclear ambitions. But the six nations that have spearheaded the most recent attempts to bring Iran to the negotiating table continue to call on Iran to first suspend enrichment. The Islamic republic has turned down a package of incentives offered by those six world powers - the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - on condition that all enrichment activities cease. The United States and its U.N. Security Council allies, Britain and France, have drafted a text that would impose limited sanctions on Iran for its defiance. But a U.N. diplomat told the AP that the text might have to be softened to enlist the support of Russia and China, which have veto power on the Security Council. Both Moscow and Beijing are reluctant to impose harsh punishments on Tehran, an economic and strategic partner. They also fear that any sanctions - which for now rule out military action - could still start the process toward consideration of force. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday he was hopeful talks with the Iranians would resume and that there was a ``real chance'' for a negotiated settlement without sanctions. However, the European Union's external relations commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said that Tehran had not responded positively to the incentives package and that the Security Council may need to explore ``another alternative.'' --- Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi contributed to this report from Tehran. Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2006 ***************************************************************** 12 Korea Herald: Nuke test a turning point in Korea-U.S. ties South Korea needs close cooperation with its allies to meet the North Korean challenge This is the fifth in a series of analytical articles about the impact of North Korea's nuclear test. - Ed. By Christoph Bluth For both the United States and the Republic of Korea, North Korea's nuclear test has proven a serious turning point in their relations. As regards the United States, it demonstrates the complete failure of the policy of the Bush administration to counter Pyongyang's nuclear program. North Korea now has acquired precisely the capability that years of sanctions and negotiations were supposed to stop. But the Roh government likewise has to face the fact that its policy of engaging North Korea lies in ruins. Pyongyang has responded to South Korean generosity and patience with contempt. The government in Seoul is facing pressure both from the United States and from the opposition GNP to terminate the major joint projects, such as the Gaeseong industrial complex and the Mount Geumgang tours, to prevent the DPRK from using the money earned for its nuclear weapons program. All the achievements of inter-Korean relations since the summit between Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-il in 2000 are coming to naught. Now is a time for all parties involved in this issue to reconsider their position and look for a way forward. North Korea's provocative behavior over the last year, in particular the missile launches in July and the nuclear test in October, have cast doubt on Pyongyang's sincerity in negotiations. There is now a widespread belief that North Korea is determined to become a nuclear power and there is no deal to be made to stop its nuclear program. Moreover, there is a fear that the DPRK might share its technology with other "rogue states." But it is dangerous to jump to conclusions. Instead, it is important to understand Pyongyang's strategy. Imposing sanctions may satisfy a natural desire to punish the Kim regime for its behavior, but it is no substitute for an effective policy. All the evidence suggests that North Korea's actions are not a form of irrational aggression, but rather the progression of a carefully designed strategy designed to give North Korea bargaining power in order to achieve the desired outcome in negotiations with the United States. This is not to say that it is an appropriate strategy, or one that is likely to achieve its objectives. Quite to the contrary, it is based on an exaggerated perception of the military threat on the part of North Korean leaders and a failure to understand the motivations and norms that underlie the actions of the international community. North Korea has explained its goals on numerous occasions and there is no reason to believe that they have changed. Pyongyang signed up to the declaration of principles of a settlement that would provide for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. The two sticking points are that the DPRK insists that the provision of civilian nuclear reactors needs to be part of the agreement (as in the now abandoned Agreed Framework) and that the financial sanctions imposed because of its various "illicit" activities should be lifted. To give up its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang wants the United States to abandon its "hostile policy," recognize the DPRK and establish diplomatic relations, as well as provide significant support to stabilize its economy. Now that it has proven that it is a nuclear weapons state, it wants to be treated with respect. It is not surprising that Pyongyang is hinting that it is prepared to return to negotiations. North Korea's leaders believe that they have now improved their bargaining position to the point where the other parties, especially the United States, will be more forthcoming. It is unlikely that North Korea can be bullied into changing its ways by sanctions, and China is not going to impose sanctions that would risk a collapse of the DPRK. The total isolation and an economic siege of the DPRK are not desirable, because Pyongyang might resort to desperate military measures with potentially dangerous consequences. Although a policy of engagement has now come into disrepute, nevertheless it is still the best option to mitigate the tension on the Korean peninsula. What is needed, however, is a more nuanced policy than before. As President Roh Moo-hyun has belatedly recognized, a robust policy of engagement that employs a judicious mixture of "sticks" as well as "carrots" has the best chance of improving regional security. This is not a task that South Korea can undertake alone. The nuclear test has reinforced the absurdity of a security policy based on "self-reliance." While the conventional forces of the Republic of Korea now more than match the technologically backward arsenal of the DPRK, "extended deterrence" provided by the United States (otherwise known as the "nuclear umbrella") is the only counter to North Korea's weapons of mass destruction. The nuclear test is a wake-up call for all those in the South who came to believe that the source of the problem on the Korean Peninsula was the United States rather than North Korea as the true nature of the regime has revealed itself to all and sundry. Fortunately, despite the controversy over "wartime command," the United States still seems prepared to extend a security guarantee to the Republic of Korea. This has been reaffirmed by Secretary of State Rice and the meetings between U.S. and South Korean top military leaders will be used to review and coordinate military cooperation and operational plans. But Seoul also needs to redefine its own policy of engagement with the North and persuade Washington to support it. This is going to be more difficult because of the deeply held conviction in the Bush administration, confirmed by North Korea's recent actions, that a policy of engagement is futile. The negative attitude by the Roh government towards the United States has resulted in the allies drifting apart. North Korea's provocations provide an opportunity for the South Korean government to change course, and cement a closer alliance with the United States and Japan. The appointment of Ban Ki-moon as U.N. secretary-general comes at a very opportune time and may prove instrumental in getting Washington to sign up to a new strategy to deal with the North. President Roh Moo-hyun is facing the greatest test of his term in office. Close cooperation with South Korea's allies is the key to meeting this challenge. Christoph Bluth is a professor of international studies at the University of Leeds in Britain. The views expressed here are his own. He can be reached at C.Bluth@leeds.ac.uk - Ed. 2006.10.24 ***************************************************************** 13 INSIDE JoongAng Daily: Bank sees North pain if sanctions take hold Octorber 24, 2006 KST 14:07 (GMT+9) October 24, 2006 €Ñ The Bank of Korea said yesterday, in a report prepared for a legislator, that international financial sanctions on North Korea could deal a heavy blow to the North's shaky economy. In an assessment for Representative Yim Tae-hee of the Grand National Party, the central bank said a 30-percent reduction in foreign currency inflows to North Korea would lower economic activity by three-quarters of a percentage point. A halving of North Korea's external trade, the paper said, would reduce economic growth by nearly 5.5 percentage points; a 70-percent falloff in trade would drop economic output by 8.25 points. Estimates of economic activity in centrally planned economies are difficult at best, however, and North Korea's secrecy makes such estimates even more tenuous. "When international financial institutions join in the sanctions and cut the influx of the annual $800 million in foreign currency to the North, Pyongyang will face serious trouble," Mr. Yim said. He added, without citing sources, that the North earns about $300 million through legitimate activities, such as inter-Korean economic cooperation deals and remittances from North Koreans abroad, adding that counterfeiting and drug trafficking bring in about $500 million more annually. Christopher Hill, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Asia, arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday to meet, among others, William Ryback, the deputy chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. "The U.S. team asked the Hong Kong authorities to cooperate in its effort to freeze North Korean assets in Hong Kong and Macao," a Hong Kong source said yesterday. "Hong Kong gave a positive answer." Another Hong Kong government source said Mr. Hill also asked the government there to help inspect suspect North Korean ships. "A North Korean ship under a U.S. intelligence watch is on its way to Hong Kong," the official said. "Mr. Hill asked the authorities to inspect the boat thoroughly when it enters port here." by Choi Hyung-kyu, Ser Myo-ja myoja@joongang.co.kr> Copyright by Joins.com, Inc. Terms of Use | ***************************************************************** 14 AFP: Japan government says poll win backs NKorea stance by Kyoko Hasegawa Mon Oct 23, 4:40 AM ET TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's government hailed its first electoral victory under new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a strong vote for his handling of the North Korean nuclear crisis and regional diplomatic efforts. Abe, who is known for his hardline stance against Kim Jong-Il's regime, saw his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) cruise to victory in two weekend by-elections in the city of Osaka and in Kanagawa, a prefecture west of Tokyo. The LDP wins are expected to embolden Abe in promoting his cherished plan of education reform and in pushing ahead with a more assertive foreign policy ahead of next July's elections in the less-powerful upper house. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki, the government's top spokesman, said the result showed voters highly valued the policies of Abe, 52, who replaced the widely popular Junichiro Koizumi last month. "Visits (by Abe) to China and South Korea" /> and the way we handled the North Korean problem were highly appreciated. We'll keep working hard to produce meaningful policy results," he told reporters. Japan swiftly imposed bilateral sanctions on North Korea" /> after its October 9 nuclear test, banning all imports and ships from the hermit state. "The North Korean problem, on which Abe built up his popularity, gave a tail wind to the LDP," said Hideo Otake, professor of politics at Kyoto University. Abe also went to China and South Korea on his first overseas trip as premier to mend bilateral relations strained by Koizumi's repeated visits to the Yasukuni war shrine in Tokyo linked to Japan's militarist past. He has championed a greater military role for Japan, which was forced by the United States to renounce the right to wage war after defeat in World War II. The results were a blow to the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan and its president Ichiro Ozawa, elected DPJ chief last April. DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hashimoto noted that his party had been fighting to take seats vacated by the deaths of two LDP members, with one passed down from father to son as often happens in Japan. "We also experienced low voter turnouts with the North Korean issue having gained attention," Hashimoto said in a statement. "But we believe the efforts that we made would eventually benefit us in the next elections," he said. The mass circulation Yomiuri, however, argued in an editorial that the opposition had "failed to show concrete and clear ideas on imminent problems such as the North Korean nuclear test," which it agreed had given Abe a boost. The Mainichi Shimbun daily said Abe's "realistic handling" of relations with China and South Korea and his success in setting aside the Yasukuni shrine issue appeared to have underpinned his strong support among voters. Abe, who has built his career on campaigning against North Korea's nuclear ambitions and its abductions of Japanese during the Cold War era, was elected on September 26 as Japan's youngest prime minister since World War II. North Korea announced its first nuclear test on October 9 as Abe arrived in Seoul from Beijing, pushing his much-touted "assertive diplomacy" into the spotlight, a strategy he defended in the by-election campaign. In the prefecture in Osaka, Japan's second-largest urban area, the LDP's Kenji Harada, 58, won 111,226 votes compared with 92,424 for the DPJ. In Kanagawa the margin was greater, with the ruling party's Zentaro Kamei, 35, taking 109,464 votes against 80,450. The conservative LDP has a solid majority in the more powerful 480-seat lower house, with 292 seats. Its coalition partner, the Buddhist-backed, centrist party Komeito holds 31 seats, compared with 113 for the DPJ. Abe's LDP holds 111 seats out of 242 in the upper House of Councillors and relies on Komeito's 24 seats to secure a majority. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************** 15 Korea Times: NK Not Preparing for 2nd Test Hankooki.com > The Korea Times By Park Song-wu Staff Reporter Park Jae-kyu President of Kyungnam University North Korea is not preparing for a second nuclear test at the moment, a noted South Korean scholar asserted on Monday. Quoting a ranking North Korean official he met in Pyongyang last week, Park Jae-kyu, president of Kyungnam University, told The Korea Times that the official underlined that Pyongyang will ``certainly'' keep its pledge to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula because the North's founding father, the late Kim Il-sung, instructed it. But the North Korean said Pyongyang has ``no other option'' but to go ahead with strong measures if Washington continues to pressure it, said Park, who returned from Pyongyang where he attended a music festival for the late composer I-sang Yun. Park, former unification minister, declined to name the North Korean official, but said he met with a number of ranking officials, including Ri Jong-hyuk, vice chairman of the North's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee that is in charge of inter-Korea exchange programs. ``I heard from officials that the North believes the nuclear test was a big success,'' Park said. ``They said the test was prepared a long time ago and Russia knows very well that the test was not a failure.'' The North Korean officials underlined that the test was not designed to threaten Seoul, but to show Washington that Pyongyang was not engaging in ``empty talk,'' regarding its declaration on Feb. 10 last year that it has nuclear weapons, Park said. ``The North also said it had to conduct the test because the United States did not keep its promise of compensating the delayed construction of light-water reactors in Sinpo,'' Park said. ``In addition, the North Korean officials said they could not trust the United States because it decided to financially sanction the North right after the six-party talks statement on Sept. 19 and has continued to raise the issue of human rights situation.'' As for the two inter-Korean economic exchange programs, Park said North Korea was apparently determined to continue the Kaesong Industrial Park and Mt. Kumgang tourism projects. ``If South Korea does not decide to stop the two programs, the North will never forget the original intention behind creating them, staying true to it down the road,'' Park quoted the official as saying. Since the North's nuclear test on Oct. 9, the two programs have been harshly criticized for the possibility that revenue might have been diverted for the development of weapons of mass destruction. But the North argued that it is innocent in that matter, Park said. ``The revenue from Mt. Kumgang has all been used for the development of inter-Korean relations,'' the North Korean official was quoted as saying. The official, however, declined to tell exactly where the money was used. ``It is difficult to read you the bill of expenditure now,'' Park quoted him as saying. Regarding the North's economic situation, which is expected to deteriorate further with the U.N. sanctions, the official said: ``We have endured much worse situations in the past and now we are armed with stronger readiness.'' Park said the North Korean officials appreciate China's efforts to lower the level of U.N. sanctions, rather than being miffed at Beijing's consent to the passage of resolution 1718, which focuses on non-military measures. ``The North hoped China would use its veto power, so they could have carried a grudge against China,'' Park said. ``But actually they have no such feeling. They said Pyongyang appreciates Beijing's efforts to tone down the language in the resolution.'' im@koreatimes.co.kr 10-23-2006 17:22 ***************************************************************** 16 Korea Times: Ban to Discuss Nukes With Chinese Leader Hankooki.com > The Korea Times By Park Song-wu Staff Reporter Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-moon plans to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing on Friday to discuss pending issues, including North Korea's nuclear standoff and ways to resume the six-party denuclearization talks, officials in Seoul said on Monday. His visit will be made in his capacity as the next U.N. secretary-general, they said. But attention is being paid to his trip as it comes just one week after Beijing's high-profile delegation, led by State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, returned from Pyongyang with a message from North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il. Ban is expected to exchange opinions about the message during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Li Zhaoxing. Diplomatic sources said Kim is allegedly ready to return to the six-party talks and declare a moratorium on additional nuclear tests, if Washington is determined to lift financial sanctions against North Korea. The government also plans to dispatch Chun Yung-woo, Seoul's top nuclear envoy, to Beijing in the near future, officials in Seoul said. In a related development, Ban met with leaders of major political parties in the country and pledged to make the utmost effort to help stabilize the security situation in Northeast Asia. Ban told Rep. Kim Geun-tae, chairman of the governing Uri Party, that he will appoint a special U.N. envoy to North Korea and do his best to cooperate with participating nations in the six-party talks. Meeting with Rep. Kang Jae-sup, chairman of the main opposition Grand National Party, later in the day, Ban said one of his main agenda items in the United Nations is to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Kang said he felt that ``God'' had not forsaken South Korea when he saw Ban being elected as the chief administrator of the world body amid rising tensions due to the North's test of a nuclear bomb. As for the North's human rights situation, 11 civic groups in nine countries, such as South Korea, Britain, France, Norway and Germany, delivered a joint petition to Ban, asking for his special attention on the rights conditions in the communist state, the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights said in a statement. im@koreatimes.co.kr 10-23-2006 17:31 ***************************************************************** 17 Korea Times: Coup Possible in Pyongyang Hankooki.com > The Korea Times > Nation By Kim Sue-young Staff Reporter A ``Beijing-friendly palace coup¡¯¡¯ may happen in North Korea to drive out the North¡¯s ``dear leader¡¯¡¯ Kim Jong-il, a U.S. weekly magazine reported in its latest issue. Chinese officials used to ``scoff¡¯¡¯ at the idea of effecting Chinese-style regime change in the Stalinist state, but an ``unprecedented debate¡¯¡¯ has taken place over Beijing¡¯s North Korea policies, Newsweek said in its Oct. 30 issue. Mentioning the stoppage of financial transfers and food exports to North Korea, the magazine backed the possibility of a coup. Four major Chinese banks halted financial transfers to North Korea last Friday, and China decreased food exports to the isolated regime by two-thirds, the weekly said. ``Among some close advisers to the government, the idea of a Beijing-friendly palace coup has gained new currency,¡¯¡¯ the report said. ``China certainly has the means.¡¯¡¯ The means is the 11,000 barrels of oil China offers the reclusive state every day _ accounting for over 70 percent of Pyongyang¡¯s total energy supply, the magazine said. Chinese officials have said that they want Pyongyang to return to the six-party talks on its nuclear disarmament, but some scholars, angry at Kim¡¯s recalcitrance, are asking for the government to pull the oil plug instead, the report said. A former U.S. Pentagon official and Korea watcher said in an interview with Newsweek that the likely pool of moderate North Koreans who could succeed Kim includes Sinophile military officers and technocrats. ``They have come to believe that Chinese-style economic reforms will help transform North Korea,¡¯¡¯ he said. As for post-Kim Jong-il scenarios, the report said, ``China would prefer North Korea to maintain a friendly, ideally socialist, buffer state on its periphery, which could keep U.S. soldiers based in South Korea at arm¡¯s length.¡¯¡¯ ksy@koreatimes.co.kr 10-23-2006 17:39 ***************************************************************** 18 Korea Times: Assessing Blame, Examining Motives Hankooki.com > The Korea Times > Opinion Ralph A. Cossa President of Pacific Forum, Center for Strategic &Int¡¯l Studies SEOUL - "It's all Bush's fault!" "No, it's all Clinton's fault!" Has anyone engaged in this increasingly counterproductive debate over who should be blamed for North Korea's nuclear test ever stopped to consider that it might actually be Kim Jong-il's fault? "" Clinton did all he could and enjoyed some success; the Agreed Framework did freeze Pyongyang's known plutonium assets for a significant period of time. Otherwise, North Korea could have stockpiled perhaps ten times as much plutonium. The evidence is also overwhelming, however, that North Korea was already exploring a uranium-based nuclear option, even while conducting love-ins with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and ROK President Kim Dae-jung during their historic 2000 visits to Pyongyang. Bush was also right in approaching the problem multilaterally; the Six-Party Talks put Seoul firmly at the table (righting an Agreed Framework wrong). Strictly bilateral talks would have facilitated Pyongyang's "divide-and-conquer" approach, aimed at dividing wedges between the various players by making different promises (or threats) to each. Washington is prepared to talk bilaterally with Pyongyang, but only "in the context of the six-party process," further explaining that in the context "doesn't mean in the room, it doesn't mean in the building, it just means in the context." All Pyongyang needs to do to get a bilateral meeting is to promise to return to the Six-Party Talks without preconditions, something the entire international community has urged it repeatedly to do. It is Pyongyang that consistently refuses to meet with the U.S., either bilaterally or multilaterally, until Washington ends its "hostile attitude." The "proof" demanded by Pyongyang that this has been done has varied, ranging from lifting all financial sanctions (its current demand) to a bilateral peace treaty and withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Peninsula, always with payment in advance. Pyongyang's behavior clearly indicates that Dear Leader Kim is convinced that having nuclear weapons is essential to his survival and that the benefits to be gained outweigh current or potential consequences. There are at least four main reasons why. One was the failure of the international community?? despite the initial efforts of the Clinton administration (and Tokyo)?? to effectively respond to the 1998 Indian and Pakistani nuclear tests. When discussing nuclear matters, North Koreans invariably make reference to Pakistan and how its "international status" was elevated once it became a nuclear weapons state. Even before this, Pyongyang was witnessing the collapse of the Soviet Union, accompanied by caveats from both Moscow and Beijing as to the extent their respective "Friendship" treaties with Pyongyang assured the North of military support. The loss of these formerly reliable allies was sobering. Combine this with Pyongyang's natural "juche" (self-reliance) tendencies, and another clear motivation emerges. Bush's 2002 ill-conceived "axis of evil" speech didn't help. Nor did the even more ill-conceived invasion and subsequent quagmire in Iraq. If fear of attack possibly accelerated nuclear weapon program then, today it's the lack of fear of attack that has really emboldened Pyongyang. In 2003, Kim Jong-il reportedly went into hiding for several months when Badgered rapidly fell; he sees little need to duck for cover these days. This leads to another primary motivating factor: the lack of serious or sustained consequences. When Pyongyang first declared itself a nuclear weapons state in Feb. 2005, South Korea and China, among others, asserted that a nuclear North Korea would not be tolerated: South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun promised that it would not be "business as usual" until Pyongyang gave up its nuclear ambitions. He was true to his word. It's actually been "business better than ever¡±? North-South trade increased by 50% last year. Today, hard currency continues to flow into the North via the South's Kumgang tourism project and the Kaesong industrial zone. We have run out of good options. While some have suggested a special envoy, like the Jimmy Carter mission in June 1994 (which the Clinton administration tried to discourage, even though it ended up saving the day), it is doubtful Kim Jong-il will pay attention to new proposals (or honor any that he might eventually sign), until he is convinced that pursuing nuclear weapons decreases rather than increases the prospects for regime survival. Business better than ever is not going to bring this about. In the absence of good options, the "least worst" option is to pursue a clearly defined, credible, sustained containment policy aimed at ensuring that whatever nuclear capability exists in North Korea remains in North Korea, while exerting firm pressure on Pyongyang, aimed at bringing about either a change of heart or an eventual change of regime from within. A round of Six Minus One Talks should be called now to start defining and implementing this policy. 10-23-2006 15:56 ***************************************************************** 19 AFP: Next UN leader to visit China for NKorea talks Mon Oct 23, 4:00 AM ET SEOUL (AFP) - Ban Ki-Moon, the South Korean foreign minister just named to take over as head of the United Nations United Nations, will visit China on Friday for talks on the North Korea North Koreacrisis, a government official said. South Korea South Korea's Yonhap news agency, which first reported the trip last week, said Ban would be going in his capacity as the world body's next leader and not as Seoul's foreign minister. "The North Korea issue will be on the table, but not necessarily the main focus of his visit," said the official, who declined to be named. The official declined to say in what capacity Ban would travel, or to give further details. Since being elected to lead the UN, Ban has said he would be "taking advantage of the UN secretary general's authority" to improve human rights in North Korea and try to settle the standoff over its nuclear weapons programme. South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported that Ban would meet Chinese President Hu Jintao Hu Jintao. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza RiceSunday wrapped up a visit to Japan, South Korea, China and Russia to discuss how to implement UN sanctions on Pyongyang imposed after it tested a nuclear bomb. Rice tried to muster support for tough enforcement of the restrictions placed on the regime by the UN Security Council. China and South Korea have baulked at inspections of North Korean cargo shipments. But Beijing sent a delegation to North Korea to meet reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il, and was reportedly told that Pyongyang would not go ahead with a second weapons test. The UN resolution, in addition to laying down sanctions, calls for North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal and return to stalled six-nation disarmament talks that have been hosted by China. Ban has already said he will appoint a special UN envoy on North Korea. He takes over as UN secretary general from Kofi Annan Kofi Annanon January 1. Menawhile, North Korea has criticised Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his "petty trick" in refusing to say clearly whether he will continue visits to a Tokyo shrine which have angered Asian neighbours. Abe's predecessor Junichiro Koizumi upset China and both Koreas by going to the Yasukuni shrine, which honours top war criminals among the dead of the World War II. "It is clear to everybody that his (Abe's) petty trick can never be understandable to the neighboring countries as even Japanese media criticized it as a red herring," said Rodong Sinmun, newspaper of the North's ruling communist party. "For all his efforts to maintain an ambiguous attitude, his real intention has already been brought to light. Even before holding the premiership, he supported the predecessor's visits to the 'Yasukuni Shrine' and made a secret visit to the shrine in April." Nations which suffered brutal Japanese occupation before and during World War II see the shrine as a symbol of Japan's refusal to atone for its past. "If the Japanese authorities felt remorseful of the crime-woven past even a bit, there would be no reason for them to refuse to clarify their stand not to visit the 'Yasukuni Shrine'," the newspaper said in a commentary. The two countries are also at odds over Pyongyang's kidnapping of Japanese during the Cold War, and Tokyo's sanctions imposed after the North's missile tests in July and nuclear one in October. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************** 20 AFP: Mixed signals over NKorean desire to return to nuke talks - by Jun Kwanwoo Mon Oct 23, 11:07 AM ET SEOUL (AFP) - Conflicting signals have emerged about North Korea" /> 's willingness to return to stalled negotiations on its nuclear ambitions as the next UN chief prepared for talks in China on the crisis triggered by Pyongyang's first atom bomb test. One South Korean legislator said Monday North Korea was willing to return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks if the United States promised to lift a freeze on its accounts, after a meeting with an unidentified North Korean official. But a Japanese envoy said in Beijing that China was "not optimistic" about Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear weapons program nor returning to the talks, although he believed the Stalinist regime had shown signs of flexibility. Former Japanese vice foreign minister Ichiro Aisawa held talks Monday with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, who joined a Chinese delegation to Pyongyang last week for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. "Vice Foreign Minister Wu said that at this moment, China is not optimistic about the resumption of the six-party talks or about North Korea's nuclear abandonment," Aisawa told a news conference in Beijing afterwards. But Aisawa also quoted Wu as saying: "North Korea showed some flexibility. (China) is negotiating with the United States to check if it can also show flexibility." South Korean lawmaker Choi Sung of the ruling Uri Party said he held talks Sunday night in Beijing with a "key North Korean official," whom he declined to identify, who said any decision by the North to hold a second nuclear weapons test depended on Washington's attitude. It was the latest in a series of reports suggesting that the communist state will pull back from the brink of a second test, which would be certain to spark harsher sanctions. "It does not matter whether it will be a six-way or bilateral meeting as long as we can verify a US willingness to lift financial sanctions and change its hostile policy towards North Korea," Choi quoted the official as saying. Such a stance would be a softening of Pyongyang's previous position that it will never return to the talks unless the US lifted the sanctions first. The UN Security Council voted unanimously to slap Pyongyang with a range of financial, trade and military restrictions after its October 9 atom bomb test, and urged the North to return to six-party talks. North Korea agreed at the six-way talks in September 2005 to scrap its nuclear programmes in exchange for energy and other economic aid and security guarantees. But it boycotted the forum two months later in protest at US action to freeze its accounts totalling 24 million dollars in Banco Delta Asia (BDA), after accusations that the accounts acted as a conduit for North Korea's counterfeiting of dollars and money-laundering. Choi, a member of the South Korean foreign relations committee, said the North had "great expectations" for Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill's latest Hong Kong visit to help settle the issue positively. Hill was in Hong Kong Sunday to discuss issues including North Korean links with Macau banks. Adding to the diplomacy, a South Korean official said Ban Ki-Moon, the South Korean foreign minister just named to take over as head of the United Nations" /> , will visit China on Friday for talks on the North Korea crisis. South Korea" /> 's Yonhap news agency, which first reported the trip last week, said Ban would be going in his capacity as the world body's next leader and not as Seoul's foreign minister. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice" /> earlier returned home after a four-nation tour of Asia and Russia, in an effort to rally international support for UN sanctions. Rice cast doubt Sunday on a newspaper report that said Kim had expressed regret to a Chinese envoy over the test. "The Chinese, in a fairly thorough briefing about the talks, said nothing about such an apology for having launched a test," she said. Australia's defense minister Brendan Nelson said Monday that its navy was prepared to help intercept and inspect cargo ships travelling to and from North Korea as part of the sanctions. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************** 21 AFP: Mixed signals over NKorean desire to return to nuke talks - by Jun Kwanwoo Mon Oct 23, 8:32 AM ET SEOUL (AFP) - Conflicting signals have emerged about North Korea" /> 's willingness to return to stalled negotiations on its nuclear ambitions as the next UN chief prepared for talks in China on the crisis triggered by Pyongyang's first atom bomb test. One South Korean legislator said Monday North Korea was willing to return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks if the United States promised to lift a freeze on its accounts, after a meeting with an unidentified North Korean official. But a Japanese envoy said in Beijing that China was "not optimistic" about Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear weapons program nor returning to the talks, although he believed the Stalinist regime had shown signs of flexibility. Former Japanese vice foreign minister Ichiro Aisawa held talks Monday with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, who joined a Chinese delegation to Pyongyang last week for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. "Vice Foreign Minister Wu said that at this moment, China is not optimistic about the resumption of the six-party talks or about North Korea's nuclear abandonment," Aisawa told a news conference in Beijing afterwards. But Aisawa also quoted Wu as saying: "North Korea showed some flexibility. (China) is negotiating with the United States to check if it can also show flexibility." South Korean lawmaker Choi Sung of the ruling Uri Party said he held talks Sunday night in Beijing with a "key North Korean official," whom he declined to identify, who said any decision by the North to hold a second nuclear weapons test depended on Washington's attitude. It was the latest in a series of reports suggesting that the communist state will pull back from the brink of a second test, which would be certain to spark harsher sanctions. "It does not matter whether it will be a six-way or bilateral meeting as long as we can verify a US willingness to lift financial sanctions and change its hostile policy towards North Korea," Choi quoted the official as saying. Such a stance would be a softening of Pyongyang's previous position that it will never return to the talks unless the US lifted the sanctions first. The UN Security Council voted unanimously to slap Pyongyang with a range of financial, trade and military restrictions after its October 9 atom bomb test, and urged the North to return to six-party talks. North Korea agreed at the six-way talks in September 2005 to scrap its nuclear programmes in exchange for energy and other economic aid and security guarantees. But it boycotted the forum two months later in protest at US action to freeze its accounts totalling 24 million dollars in Banco Delta Asia (BDA), after accusations that the accounts acted as a conduit for North Korea's counterfeiting of dollars and money-laundering. Choi, a member of the South Korean foreign relations committee, said the North had "great expectations" for Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill's latest Hong Kong visit to help settle the issue positively. Hill was in Hong Kong Sunday to discuss issues including North Korean links with Macau banks. Adding to the diplomacy, a South Korean official said Ban Ki-Moon, the South Korean foreign minister just named to take over as head of the United Nations" /> , will visit China on Friday for talks on the North Korea crisis. South Korea" /> 's Yonhap news agency, which first reported the trip last week, said Ban would be going in his capacity as the world body's next leader and not as Seoul's foreign minister. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice" /> earlier returned home after a four-nation tour of Asia and Russia, in an effort to rally international support for UN sanctions. Rice cast doubt Sunday on a newspaper report that said Kim had expressed regret to a Chinese envoy over the test. "The Chinese, in a fairly thorough briefing about the talks, said nothing about such an apology for having launched a test," she said. Australia's defense minister Brendan Nelson said Monday that its navy was prepared to help intercept and inspect cargo ships travelling to and from North Korea as part of the sanctions. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************** 22 UPI: China's N. Korea policy changes United Press International - NewsTrack - 10/23/2006 12:35:00 PM -0400 BEIJING, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- China has so toughened its North Korea policy in the wake of that country's Oct. 9 nuclear test there's even talk of a regime change in the north. Recent Chinese policy changes include a decision by four major banks to stop transfers and a two-third cut in food exports to North Korea which desperately needs them, reports Newsweek. "I've never seen the Chinese leadership so resolved to be tougher towards North Korea," Zhu Feng, head of Peking University's international-security program, told Newsweek. The report said there is even talk of a Beijing-friendly palace coup among some, which may not be difficult considering China provides 70 percent of the North Korea's energy needs. Some scholars, annoyed over North Korea's refusal to return the six-party talks on its nuclear program, want China to stop its aid. Newsweek, citing a former U.S. Pentagon official, said moderate North Koreans who could replace Kim Jong-Il include those who believe that Chinese-style economic reforms would help modernize and transform their country. Any successful coup in North Korea must also answer how the interests of China would differ from those of the United States and South Korea in a post-coup period, said the report. © Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 23 UPI: PLA unhappy with North Korea United Press International - Security &Terrorism - 10/23/2006 7:18:00 AM -0400 SYDNEY, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A Hong Kong-based newsweekly reports deteriorating relations between China's People's Liberation Army and North Korea. The latest bump: The collapse of Beijing's main intelligence network in North Korea after a Chinese spy gave it up to Pyongyang for $400,000. "As a result, the network was dissolved," Asia Week said. "Since then, China's intelligence on North Korea has been week." The Weekend Australian, quoting the report, said that weakness led to China downplaying the likelihood of a North Korean nuclear test earlier this month in defiance of Beijing's opposition to it. Continuing to rub the Chinese are incursions into China by North Korean soldiers with criminal intent. "North Koreans crossing the border to smuggle, rob and beg are quite common here," a PLA officer at the Yanbian PLA base near the border was quoted as saying in the Asia Week story reported by The Weekend Australian. The problem has been highlighted extensively in the PLA's newspaper. Monday was the one-year anniversary of a PLA border guard being shot and killed by North Korean soldiers as he tried to stop the kidnapping of Chinese intelligence officers at Guangping, the report said. Some 30 articles about Li Liang, designated as a "model soldier," were being published in the newspaper, the report said. Earlier this year one North Korean was killed and three captured when a group of eight crossed the border near Yanbian and tried to the rob offices of a Chinese coalmine, the report said. The PLA is the most powerful entity in China after the Communist Party, and the report said and it was pressuring the government to take a harder line with Pyongyang. The accuracy of the Asia Week report could not be independently confirmed. © Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 24 UPI: Japan to deploy missile-warning system United Press International - Security &Terrorism - 10/23/2006 12:16:00 PM -0400 TOKYO, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Japan is to issue local governments with satellite receivers that will alert officials if a ballistic missile attack or other disaster is under way. The Kyodo news service said that according to sources, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency plans to make the devices available to every city, town and village in Japan. According to Kyodo, the receivers will pick up a dedicated signal transmitted by satellite in the event of an attack or a natural calamity such as an earthquake. The system will be known as J-ALERT and will connect the Fire and Disaster Management Agency with about 1,400 communities within two years. Kyodo said the agency planned to have the system operational by the start of the next fiscal year, April 1. The decision was revealed just days after nearby North Korea tested an apparent nuclear bomb. The Pyongyang regime has already conducted test launches of ballistic missiles that could conceivably deliver a weapon to Japanese soil. The occasional missile tests that began in 1998 spooked Japan enough that it began actively working with the United States to develop a maritime missile-defense system based on the Aegis destroyer. The United States has more recently deployed Patriot anti-missile systems to Japan to intercept any incoming Korean rockets. © Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 25 UPI: North says it is ready for talks United Press International - NewsTrack - 10/23/2006 1:29:00 PM -0400 SEOUL, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A top North Korean official reportedly has said his country is ready to resume talks on its nuclear program if the United States eases its financial controls. The official, who was not identified, reportedly conveyed his government's wish to South Korea's lawmaker Choi Sung with the ruling Uri Party when the two met in Beijing, reports the Yonhap news agency. If the official's statement is correct, it would be a softening of North Korea's stand that it will never return to the six-party talks unless the United States lifts its sanctions on the Macau-based Banco Delta Asia bank, seen as a conduit for the North's counterfeiting of U.S. dollars and money laundering, the report said. "The North Korean official told me that North Korea can take part in the six-way talks if there is a compromise with the U.S. that the BDA issue will certainly be resolved within the framework of the six-way talks," Choi said. Choi said North Korea appeared to be waiting for a positive response from Washington. © Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 26 Guardian Unlimited: North Korea Said to Be Willing to Talk From the Associated Press [UP] Monday October 23, 2006 8:46 PM By JAE-SOON CHANG Associated Press Writer SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea is amenable to returning to international nuclear talks if the U.S. shows a willingness to resolve a dispute over the North's alleged counterfeiting and money laundering, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday. A Japanese legislator, meanwhile, said a top Chinese official who recently visited Pyongyang indicated China was not optimistic that North Korea will end its nuclear program or re-enter disarmament talks soon. South Korean media reported late last week that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il expressed regret for carrying out the country's underground nuclear test on Oct. 9 and told a Chinese envoy that he didn't plan to carry out any more tests. Kim also raised the possibility the country would return to arms talks, according to the reports, which cited unnamed diplomatic sources in China. But Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cast doubt on the reports, saying Chinese officials had told her no such thing. Beijing has remained silent, refusing to release any details on a trip by Chinese diplomats to Pyongyang last week, while North Korea has shown no public signs of being flexible by continuing its bellicose rhetoric aimed at the United States. The developments demonstrate the uncertainty that has surrounded the nuclear standoff since the North's test, which prompted the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions against Pyongyang. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, said the only real option for trying to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons program is to talk to the insular regime. ``I don't think sanctions work as a penalty,'' Mohamed ElBaradei said after meeting with Rice in Washington. ``Penalizing them is not the solution.'' In Seoul, Rep. Choi Sung of South Korea's ruling Uri Party said he met with a ``key North Korean official'' in Beijing for four hours Sunday night. He said the official is well-versed in China-North Korea relations and inter-Korean ties, but declined to identify him further. After the meeting, Choi suggested the United States present the communist state with evidence of its alleged illicit financial activities so the North can punish those responsible. He said the North Korean official said his country could then return to the talks ``even if the issue is not completely resolved.'' The U.S. has sought to cut off the North's access to international banking as punishment for alleged counterfeiting of U.S. dollars and other illicit activity. Pyongyang has denied the charges and boycotted six-nation talks on its nuclear program until the U.S. ends the crackdown. Choi said the North Korean official told him that Pyongyang sees the financial crackdown as a sign that Washington has no intention of improving relations with the North. He added Washington has never presented evidence of the North's illicit activity. The U.S. has said the financial restrictions are a separate issue from the nuclear standoff. Japanese lawmaker Ichiro Aisawa, who visited Beijing on Monday to discuss the nuclear test with Chinese leaders, said he was told by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei that Beijing had asked both Pyongyang and Washington for flexibility in restarting talks. However, he said Wu told him: ``China is not optimistic about the resumption of the six-party talks or that North Korea will abandon its nuclear program,'' according to Kyodo news agency and public broadcaster NHK. The Chinese Foreign Ministry could not confirm the reports. Wu, who is Beijing's top nuclear envoy, accompanied China's State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo on a special mission to Pyongyang last week to deliver a message to the North Korean leader from China's President Hu Jintao. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao did not discuss the details of the message, but said Kim and Tang had ``in-depth discussions'' about the nuclear dispute. --- Associated Press Writer Kozo Mizoguchi contributed to this report from Tokyo. Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2006 ***************************************************************** 27 Guardian Unlimited: China's interests go well beyond the nuclear issue The potential of growing cross-border trade with North Korea will make it hard for Hu Jintao to back effective sanctions Christopher Hughes Monday October 23, 2006 The Guardian During Condoleezza Rice's recent tour of north-east Asia to drum up support for the raft of sanctions that the UN security council has imposed on North Korea, China appeared to be both the weakest link but also the country with most leverage over Pyongyang. Yet relatively little is known about its approach to the nuclear crisis, other than that it has spent several years resisting Washington's calls for stronger actions. Beneath this reluctance, however, lies a long-term strategy of integration across the China-North Korea border that is designed to replicate China's own transformation into a more open and stable society and serve its own interests by promoting economic regeneration of the north-eastern provinces. While Beijing shares Washington's goal of denuclearising North Korea, historical links and geographical proximity mean its interests go well beyond the nuclear issue. This is most obvious for the region of China that borders North Korea. Under the planned economy this was a centre of heavy industry, but it experienced dramatic decline after Deng Xiaoping began the process of economic reform in the late 1970s. While coastal areas in the south boomed, frequent strikes and demonstrations by workers made this region a political flashpoint for a regime that still claims to protect the interests of the working class. When Hu Jintao became China's leader in 2002 with a mission to redress regional disparities, the prospect of creating a new market and points of access to the ocean for Chinese goods by developing North Korea's economy and infrastructure engendered a different kind of attitude on the part of the Chinese from the kind of logic offered by the nuclear crisis. The fact that the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had become a regular visitor to China and launched a package of Chinese-style market-oriented economic reforms that very same year was just as significant as Pyongyang's nuclear standoff with Washington. The economic arguments are indeed attractive. Both sides of the border boast rich mineral resources, so modernisation of large mining enterprises should provide a good foundation for development. There is a pressing need to cooperate on environmental issues, as China has begun to move towards a greener economics while North Korea devastates its land through intensive farming. Having introduced 11 years of compulsory schooling in 1975 and paying great attention to harnessing education to technology development, North Korea has a workforce that is lower paid and better trained than that of the neighbouring Chinese provinces. All that China has to do is divert some of North Korea's hi-tech skills to the civilian sector by applying the management techniques it has developed during its own transition to a market-oriented economy. The existing curious combination of market mechanisms and sanctions has already given a degree of reality to this vision. Working with South Korean partners, North Korea has become a serious player in the computer games industry, largely because developing a hardware industry was impossible under material shortages caused by sanctions and economic collapse in the 1990s. Isolation has also catalysed cross-border transactions as Chinese entrepreneurs have rushed in to meet the demand for goods that cannot be satisfied by North Korea's domestic industry. In 2004 cross-border trade amounted to $1.4bn, and it is growing at nearly 40% a year, allowing Chinese advocates of engagement to drum up optimism by drawing comparisons with the early stage of their own country's remarkable climb to economic success. They also point out that 80% of the products in North Korea's markets are already of Chinese origin, fetching a higher price than they would at home. A favourable tax regime for firms forming joint enterprises with North Korean partners also makes the costs of doing business lower than in China. The presence this gives to China can be seen by the fact that the yuan is permitted for use in a large number of shops in Pyongyang and is widely used in the Chinese-style special economic zones in North Korea. While North Korea is not normally seen as a source of foreign investment, Chinese observers point out that the majority of the population have overseas family links and are stashing away remittances from relatives in Japan, South Korea and China until the opportunities for investment are ripe. This growing involvement in North Korea's reform programme gives China an unrivalled degree of influence at the international level. When Pyongyang announced its withdrawal from the NPT in January 2003, China brought it back to the six-party talks and brokered a new deal with the US. The reward was a three-day visit by Hu Jintao in October 2005 during which he proposed a number of ways China could help upgrade the country's infrastructure. Yet China's strategy is supposed to have a political impact that goes further than this. Although Beijing publicly maintains the principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other states, advocates of engagement openly expect North Korean society to develop along Chinese lines as its population gets used to a market economy and increasing exposure to the outside world. In other words, North Korea is supposed to be a willing partner in an engagement policy that mirrors what the US used to advocate for the liberalisation of China itself. Just as the US has found with China, however, the government that pushes engagement can also end up being constrained. North Korea's nuclear test poses a direct challenge to Hu Jintao, who has identified himself so closely with this strategy, but given the complexity, depth and potential of integration across the increasingly porous China-North Korea border, it is doubtful whether effective sanctions can be imposed without big costs. Yet Rice's scepticism towards reports that Kim has sent Hu an apology and assurances that he has no plans for a second test shows that it will take more than rumours or contrition to alleviate Washington's growing impatience. Meanwhile, the clock ticks away in the security council, where the implementation of measures imposed on North Korea under resolution 1718 will be assessed in the middle of November. As Hu weighs the competing demands of Washington and Pyongyang, though, it may just be the interests of China's north-eastern rust belt that will decide how far he can follow Washington through the measures allowed under chapter 7 of the UN charter. · Christopher Hughes is a reader in international relations at the London School of Economics Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006. Registered in England and Wales. No. 908396 Registered office: 164 Deansgate, Manchester M60 2RR ***************************************************************** 28 UN NUCLEAR CHIEF MEETS WITH US SECRETARY RICE; CALLS FOR TALKS WITH DPR Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:29:48 -0400 X-Sender-Host-Name: mx1.un.org X-DSPAM-Result: mail; result="Innocent"; class="Innocent"; probability=0.0000; confidence=1.00; signature=N/A X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY UN NUCLEAR CHIEF MEETS WITH US SECRETARY RICE; CALLS FOR TALKS WITH DPR KOREA, IRAN New York, Oct 23 2006 The head of the United Nations atomic watchdog met today with United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington to discuss the nuclear programmes of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran, shortly after calling for talks with both countries. “If I look at the problems that we are facing right now –“ the Korean situation, the Iran situation – these problems hinge, in my view,, on the parties sitting together,” UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said in an interview published in Newsweek magazine ahead of the meeting. “We need to move away from the idea that dialogue is a “reward” for good behaviour. You need dialogue when you have bad behaviour, because the purpose of the dialogue is to change the behaviour. As former [US] secretary of State James Baker said recently, talking to your enemy is not appeasement,” he added. Asked about US assertions that Iran, despite its repeated denials, has a nuclear weapons programme, Mr. ElBaradei reiterated his previous statements that the jury is still out, adding that it was difficult to determine whether the Iranians intend to pursue a nuclear weapon, or are simply hedging their bet by developing their enrichment capability. “But one of the lessons we learned from Iraq (where a current nuclear weapons programme was not found after the US-led invasion of 2003) is that we really need to be very, very careful coming to conclusions because these issues make the difference between war and peace,” he declared. “And as long as I know, and I am supported by all intelligence agencies in this, that Iran in the worst-case scenario is still a few years away, I have ample time to talk to them, I have ample time to negotiate with them, and I need to encourage them to cooperate with me.” Asked whether he thought the IAEA would be blamed for the DPRK’s development of atomic weapons, Mr. ElBaradei noted that the agency was “kicked out” in 2003 when the country withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “We lost jurisdiction. But I have been saying for the last two or three years that North Korea is the No. 1 security challenge to the NPT. I saw North Korea out of the [treaty] regime; I saw North Korea having plutonium; I saw North Korea feeling more and more isolated. I saw this coming,” he said. As he has in other recent statements, he stressed that the IAEA’s annual budget of $120 million was insufficient and should be at least doubled to enable it to have independent satellite-monitoring and a state-of-the-art laboratory for particle analysis. “There is a difference between us and the [UN] Universal Postal Union. You can postpone issuing commemorative stamps or improving the efficiency of mail delivery,” he stressed. “But in our areas there are certain things that we have to do yesterday, because otherwise we are going to face a colossal danger. And people do not understand that. They do not prioritize.” ___________________ For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/ _______________________________ To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/ ___________________ For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/ _______________________________ To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/ ***************************************************************** 29 [NYTr] The Way the World Ends: Caldicott on Nukes Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:44:05 -0400 (EDT) X-Sender-Host-Name: olm.blythe-systems.com X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit Ottawa Citizen via Common Dreams - Oct 21, 2006 http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1021-24.htm The Way the World Ends With all the hype about North Korea, we're forgetting that the world is still staring down the barrels of thousands of U.S. and Russian ICBMs by Helen Caldicott It is difficult to underestimate the problems associated with North Korea's recent nuclear weapons test. Following a small atomic explosion in a mountainous area of North Korea of less than one kiloton -- the Hiroshima bomb was 13 kilotons -- the U.S. administration is encouraging draconian economic sanctions to be enacted against a desperately poor country where millions of people are malnourished and that will further ostracize a paranoid regime, while the rest of the world looks on with horror as the nuclear arms race threatens to spiral out of control. While lateral proliferation is indeed an incredibly serious problem as ever-more countries prepare to enter the portals of the nuclear club, one consistent outstanding nuclear threat that continues to endanger most planetary species is ignored by the international community. In fact, the real "rogue" nations that continue to hold the world at nuclear ransom are Russia and the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the threat of a massive nuclear attack -- whether by accident, human fallibility or malfeasance -- has increased. Of the 30,000 nuclear weapons in the world today, the United States and Russia possess 96 per cent of them. Of these, Russia aims most of its 8,200 strategic nuclear warheads at U.S. and Canadian targets, while the U.S. aims most of its 7,000 offensive strategic hydrogen bombs on Russian missile silos and command centres. Each of these thermonuclear warheads has roughly 20 times the destructive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, according to a report on nuclear weapons by the National Resources Defense Council, a U.S. environmental group. Of these 7,000 U.S. strategic weapons, 2,500 are deployed on intercontinental ballistic missiles that are constantly maintained on hair-trigger alert ready for immediate launching, while the U.S. also maintains some 2,688 hydrogen bombs on missiles in its 14 Trident submarines, most ready for instantaneous launching. According to the Center for Defense Information, a group that analyzes U.S. defence policy, in the event of a suspected attack, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Air Command has only three minutes to decide if a nuclear attack warning is valid. He has 10 minutes to locate the president for a 30-second briefing on attack options, and the president then has three minutes to decide to launch the warheads and to consider which pre-set targeting plan to use. Once launched, the missiles would take 10 to 30 minutes to reach their Russian targets. An almost identical situation prevails in Russia, except unlike the combined U.S. and Canadian NORAD early-warning equipment, the Russian system is decaying rapidly, its early-warning satellites are almost non-functional and it now relies on a relatively primitive over-the-horizon radar to warn it of an imminent secret first-strike attack from the United States. The Russian military and political leaders are suitably paranoid about this extraordinary post-Cold-War situation. So much so that in January 1995 president Boris Yeltsin came to within 10 seconds of launching his nuclear armada when the launch of a Norwegian weather satellite was misinterpreted in Moscow as a pre-emptive U.S. nuclear attack. Most towns and cities with populations over 50,000 on the North American continent are targeted with at least one hydrogen bomb. Only 1,000 bombs exploding on 100 cities could induce nuclear winter and the end of most life on earth. There are fewer than 300 major cities in the Northern hemisphere. Such is the redundancy of nuclear weapons. A U.S. Foreign Military Studies Office report of January 2002, "Prototypes for Targeting America, a Soviet Military Assessment," states that New York City, for example, is the single most important target in the Atlantic region after major military installations. A U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment report, commissioned in the 1980s but still relevant, estimated that Soviet nuclear war plans had two one-megaton bombs aimed at each of three airports that serve New York, one aimed at each of the major bridges, two at Wall Street and two at each of four oil refineries. The major rail centres and power stations were also targeted, along with the port facilities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that New York City would be obliterated by nuclear blasts and the resulting firestorms and fallout. Millions of people would die instantly. Survivors would perish shortly thereafter from burns and exposure to radiation. Terrifyingly, the early warning systems of both Russia and the U.S. register false alarms daily, triggered either by wildfires, satellite launchings or solar reflections off clouds or oceans. Of more immediate concern in both the United States and Russia is the threat of terrorists or hackers entering and disrupting the computerized early warning systems and command centres. Therefore, as the world tries to come to terms with a possible tiny new entrant into the nuclear club, the U.S. Security Council, the U.S. administration, the U.S. Congress, the Canadian government and the Kremlin fail to recognize the most serious danger -- thousands of hydrogen bombs maintained on tenuous hair-trigger alert. What has induced this state of global psychic numbing, and why are these issues never officially addressed? Now that Russia and the U.S. maintain a friendly working relationship, it is time to reinvigorate the extraordinary precedent established by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavic in 1988, to urgently agree to abolish nuclear weapons bilaterally. Only then will the nuclear superpowers have the moral authority to legitimately and actively promote multilateral nuclear disarmament through the United Nations and to police other countries to discourage lateral proliferation. France and China have already agreed to abolish their nuclear weapons should the superpowers disarm. Israel, Pakistan and India, who have not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, would need extra pressure. Nobel Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has called for a clear road map for nuclear disarmament to be established. Time is not on our side. [Helen Caldicott is a pediatrician and president of the Washington-based Nuclear Policy Research Institute. She is the author of "Nuclear Power is Not the Answer."] * ================================================================ .NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems . Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us . .339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org .List Archives: https://olm.blythe-systems.com/pipermail/nytr/ .Subscribe: https://olm.blythe-systems.com/mailman/listinfo/nytr ================================================================ ***************************************************************** 30 [du-list] Dai Williams study on weapons used Lebanon Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:26:40 -0700 X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61] X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61 X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST Dai Williams' report - Eos weapons study in Lebanon, September 2006 - interim report available online at www.eoslifework http://www.eoslifework.co.uk/pdfs/u26leb806.pdf If problems accessing the pdf file, then go straight to http://www.eoslifework.co.uk/ and scroll down. This site is all very good at it holds most of Dai Williams work and has plenty of useful data and statistics that can be used by groups and activists tackling uranium weapons Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To unsubscribe from this groups send a message to du-list-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com. In the body of the message type unsubscribe and send. ***************************************************************** 31 IPS-English MIDDLE EAST-UN: Israel must open up its nuclear Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:04:06 -0700 X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61] X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61 X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST MIDDLE EAST-UN: Israel must open up its nuclear programme for IAEA inspection Att.Editors: The following item is from the Emirates News Agency (WAM) NEW YORK, Oct. 21 (WAM) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on the United Nations to make Israel cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by opening up its arsenals of weapons of mass destruction for inspection. Abdullah Hassan Obaid Al Shamsi, member of the UAE delegation to the UN, made the call in a UAE address to the UN First Committee (Disarmament and International Security), which held a session here last night to discuss a number of global security issues, including the issue of having a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East. He said the Middle East and Arabian Gulf region was one of the most tense regions worldwide because of Israel's position and arsenal of weapons of mass destruction -- especially nuclear weapons -- and efforts of other states in the region to build nuclear reactors. "That was a great source of danger and concern to all," he said in the address. He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the continued unilateral policy of Israel and appeals to the international community to put pressure on the Israeli government to implement the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions which called for Israel to accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as all other states in the region had done. He also urged the UN to force Israel to cooperate with the IAEA by declaring all its nuclear facilities and accepting the principle of verification and to cease the stockpiling and production of fissile material and all nuclear testing. He said serious and vigorous efforts were needed to achieve the alleviation of tension and instability in the region, adding that it was imperative to pave the way for renewing dialogue and returning to the peaceful negotiations process, which could ultimately resolve the question of Palestine and the Middle East. He also supported the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free -zone in the Middle East. (WAM) (WAM) ***************************************************************** 32 BBC: Nuclear claims over weapons site Last Updated: Monday, 23 October 2006 [Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment] AWE is the headquarters of Britain's nuclear development programme Building work, costing £1bn, at a weapons research base and the creation of hundreds of new jobs have sparked claims of new nuclear developments. Jobs have been created to work with new computer technology at the site. Greenpeace said the international Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty is being contravened at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston. But a Ministry of Defence spokesman said Trident nuclear missiles are not being replaced at the Berkshire base. Greenpeace's claims centre on a video clip of Aldermaston's chief scientist Dr Clive Marsh, which the organisation said is aimed at potential AWE employees on Aldermaston's website. 'New nuclear weapons' In the clip Dr Marsh said they aim to "develop our overall warhead design and assurance capabilities, including the ability to provide a new warhead lest our government should ever need it as a successor to Trident". We have to keep warheads sa and reliable. MoD spokesman Blake Lee Harwood, Greenpeace campaign director, said: "The government is pretending to consult but they've already given the nod to a new nuclear weapons system costing billions of pounds." Greenpeace claims that by developing new nuclear weaponary Article 6 of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty is being broken. This says: "Each of the Parties to the Treaty undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control." The AWE at Aldermaston is the headquarters of Britain's nuclear development programme. A spokesman said the MoD needed new scientists for computer modelling, laser physics and hydro modelling, with the last big recruitment being 30-40 years ago and current staff reaching retirement. Simulated testing He said: "No decision has been taken to replace the Trident system. Trident will last until the 2020s." The MoD plans to carry out computer-simulated testing in the new facilities. "We have to keep warheads safe and reliable. Facilities are 20 to 30 years old," the spokesman added. The new Orion laser computer-simulation facility is being built to replace the out-dated Helen facility. Opposition to the building work had already been voiced in July, when anti-nuclear protesters attempted to disrupt development at Aldermaston. ***************************************************************** 33 Bellona: Abramovich talks alternative energy with Iceland AnnouncedFlamboyant Russian billionaire, Chealsea Football Club owner and governor to the Far East Chukotka Region, Roman Abramovich, is seeking methods of alternative energy for his remote district, which is now under-powered by coal fired plants and nuclear energy. Bellona, 23/10-2006 Accompanied by Kamil Iskhakov, presidential plenipotentiary to the Far East Federal District, Abramovich made a working visit to Iceland to learn about the potential use of so-called small energy and geothermal energy to solve power shortage problems for Russias extreme north-eastern regions, the Polit.ru Russian news site reported. Abramovich and Iskhakov met with Icelands president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, and also had talks with the management of Icelands largest power company, Reykjavik Energy, the site said. During the meetings, Abramovich, Iskhakov and Reykjavik Energy discussed possible applications in Russias ice-bound far eastern districts of the kinds of alternative energy Iceland has been forced to rely on for decades. Print Notify a friend Copyright © Bellona -- Reprint and copying is recommended if source is stated  Support Bellona's work for the environment - Phone +47 23 23 46 00 | E-MAIL: info@bellona.no ***************************************************************** 34 NC WARN: State Cites S Harris Security Violations Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:25:33 -0700 X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61] X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61 X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST NC WARN: Waste Awareness & Reduction Network NEWS RELEASE Contact: Jim Warren October 20, 2006 919-416-5077 State Board Confirms Shearon Harris Security Violations Justice agency asserts authority over security licensing at all NC nuclear plants DURHAM, NC – A State licensing board cited a security contractor for violations involving the testing of guards at the Harris Nuclear Plant, and moved to reassert state jurisdiction over training procedures at the three nuclear plants located in North Carolina. In a unanimous vote Wednesday afternoon, the Grievance Committee of the Private Protection Services Board, part of the NC Justice Dept., said Securitas, Inc. had recertified armed guards without the required training and without authorized instructors. The State investigation stemmed from complaints by Harris guards late last year of widespread security flaws, including the charge that Securitas forced guards to cheat on recertification exams. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has confirmed many of the guards’ complaints – including security equipment left inoperable for long periods. The NRC’s final report is expected soon. The charges were filed on the guards’ behalf by public interest groups NC WARN and the Union of Concerned Scientists. The State investigator interviewed nearly the entire Harris security force during his investigation. The report released Wednesday cited multiple findings that Securitas – which handles plant security for owner Progress Energy – was deficient in various qualification requirements for state-licensed security guards. In eight security categories, Harris guards received training of well under half the hours required under state law. The agency noted that a 1992 agreement with nuclear plant owners Duke Power and CP&L (now Progress Energy) allowed the security guards at the plants to meet State standards by following NRC security requirements. At the hearing, the PPS Board was adamant that the agreement must be rescinded. One PPS Board member noted that “90% of this problem belongs to the NRC.” Securitas lawyer Robert Adden told the board that training at Harris is ongoing, implying that annual refresher courses are not needed, and that instructors act as “substitute teachers” in training, even if not certified. Those remarks drew a sharp rebuke from board member David Grimes, who insisted state rules do not allow such practices: “It is wrong … that’s the only way to cut it,” he growled. Both Adden and PPSB investigator Tim Pressley noted that NRC regulations are more general than required under NC law, but it was unclear whether NRC standards are higher than the State’s. The Securitas lawyer said Harris guards receive more overall testing than required, but was unable to substantiate the claim. John Runkle, attorney for NC WARN, stressed to the Board that, with the federal NRC under siege for not enforcing safety and security regulations at US nuclear plants, the State PPS board should now demand compliance with its rules within 30 days, and follow up with audits each 90 days. Plant guards and critics have long complained that industry pressure has kept NRC from requiring realistic, post 9/11 security levels although nuclear plants have been identified as known and vulnerable targets for terrorists. The Harris problems were the plant’s third set of security gaps revealed since the late 1990s. “Security failures, fire safety violations, sudden reactor shutdowns, emergency cooling failures, the largest building full of high level nuclear waste … Progress Energy really needs to start backing its PR statements that safety is its priority,” said NC WARN Executive Director Jim Warren today. ## Pursuing new power plants is squandering our chances to cut greenhouse gases. Jim Warren, Executive Director NC WARN North Carolina Waste Awareness & Reduction Network Ph: 919-416-5077 Fax: 919-286-3985 PO Box 61051, Durham, NC 27715-1051 Email: Jim@ncwarn.org Web: www.ncwarn.org ***************************************************************** 35 NRC: NRC Finds No Significant Environmental Impacts from Extended Operation of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant News Release - 2006-13 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, DC 20555-0001 E-mail: No. 06-132 October 23, 2006 The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued its final environmental impact statement on the proposed renewal of the operating license for the Palisades Nuclear Plant. The report contains the NRCs finding that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude license renewal for an additional 20 years of operation. The Palisades plant is located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 4.5 miles south of South Haven, Mich. The current operating license expires March 24, 2011. Nuclear Management Company submitted an application for renewal of the license March 24, 2005. As part of its environmental review of the application, the NRC held public meetings near the plant to discuss the scope of the review and the draft version of the environmental impact statement. Comments were received and considered from members of the public, local officials, and representatives of state and federal agencies. The Palisades Final Environmental Impact Statement is available on the NRCs Web site at this address: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1437 /supplement27/index.html. Copies are also available for inspection at the NRCs Public Document Room at One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md; and at the South Haven Memorial Library, 314 Broadway St., South Haven, Mich. ----------------------------------------------------------------- NRC news releases are available through a free list serve subscription at the following Web address: http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver.html. The NRC homepage at www.nrc.gov also offers a SUBSCRIBE link. E-mail notifications are sent to subscribers when news releases are posted to NRC's Web site. Last revised Monday, October 23, 2006 ***************************************************************** 36 HindustanTimes.com: Romania backs India on civil nuclear issue Press Trust of India New Delhi, October 23, 2006 Romania, a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), on Monday supported India's quest for civil nuclear cooperation with the international community and expressed willingness to establish strategic partnership in energy as well as defence sectors. The two countries also strongly emphasised the need for democratic nations to join efforts to "effectively" deal with the problem of terrorism and favoured early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by the UN. Cooperation in nuclear and defence fields and enhancement of trade and economic ties dominated the discussions Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with visiting Romanian President Traian Basescu here for about 90 minutes. After the talks, Basescu said his country "fully understands and supports India's intention to expand its possibilities to generate civil nuclear power." Romania is a member of the 45-nation NSG which is required to change rules to allow the international community to have civil nuclear cooperation with India. "We appreciate very much India's openness in treating the issue of civil nuclear energy. That is why within the group of NSG, we support India," he said. Romania joined countries like the US, UK, Russia, France and South Africa in supporting India's quest for civil nuclear cooperation with the international community. "We have noticed, which is confirmed by realities, that we can develop strategic parternship with regard to energy and defence industry," Basescu said. ***************************************************************** 37 newsobserver.com: Review of request to shut down Harris delayed Monday, October 23, 2006 Raleigh · Durham · Cary · Chapel Hill By John Murawski, Staff Writer Federal regulators postponed a public meeting this afternoon in Maryland where they would have reviewed a request by nuclear watchdog groups to shut down Progress Energy’s Shearon Harris nuclear plant in Wake County. The hearing, which was delayed because of technical problems with recording equipment, will be rescheduled. Three organizations have asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to shut down the plant, about 25 miles outside Raleigh, or levy heavy fines for alleged fire safety violations at the plant. The N.C. Waste Awareness and Reduction Network, based in Durham, the Union of Concerned Scientists, based in Cambridge, Mass., and the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, based in Takoma Park, Md., were scheduled to present their case today at the NRC’s headquarters in Rockville, Md. The NRC and Progress Energy have said that Shearon Harris does not pose fire safety concerns. The purpose of the meeting was for the NRC’s technical staff to ask for additional information from the groups that filed the request to shut down Shearon Harris. The agency would not have issued a ruling today. Staff writer John Murawski can be reached at 829-8932 or murawski@newsobserver.com. © Copyright 2006, The News & Observer Publishing Company ***************************************************************** 38 Russia-InfoCentre: Atomic Scientists To Have Venture Funding 23.10.2006 Leningradsksya nuclear power station will be the basis for demonstration energy nuclear and hydrogen complex, which the Kurchatov Nuclear Institute plans to build soon. Future complex will have high technology electrolysis units for producing hydrogen, oxygen, ozone and deuterium. Electric energy for the process will be supplied from the Leningradsksya nuclear power station. Experts from "Atom-Innovation" centre suppose to use produced hydrogen as fuel for public transport in åðå town of Sosnovy Bor, as well as for oil hydrogenation. Another possible application of said hydrogen is deuterium production the market of this product is quite stable and deficient. Oxygen, also produced in electrolysis units, will be turned to ozone for water and sewage and industrial wastewater purification. If the complex proves its effectiveness, it will be installed on other nuclear power stations estimations show its first stage total profit to reach 10 million rubles. Source: Science &Life © Garant-InfoCentre, 2004-2006. All rights reserved and protected by the copyright law. ***************************************************************** 39 Newswise: Plutonium Or Greenhouse Gases? Weighing the Energy Options Source: University of Michigan Released: Thu 19-Oct-2006, 21:05 ET Embargo expired: Mon 23-Oct-2006, 11:00 ET Description Can nuclear energy save us from global warming? Perhaps, but the tradeoffs involved are sobering: thousands of metric tons of nuclear waste generated each year and a greatly increased risk of nuclear weapons proliferation or diversion of nuclear material into terrorists' hands. Newswise  Can nuclear energy save us from global warming? Perhaps, but the tradeoffs involved are sobering: thousands of metric tons of nuclear waste generated each year and a greatly increased risk of nuclear weapons proliferation or diversion of nuclear material into terrorists' hands. So concludes University of Michigan professor Rodney Ewing, who has analyzed just how much nuclear power would need to be produced to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and the implications of the associated increase in nuclear power plants. Ewing will present his findings Oct. 23 as the Michel T. Halbouty Distinguished Lecturer at the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Philadelphia. "Usually when people talk about nuclear power as a solution for global warming, the issues of nuclear waste and weapons proliferation are footnotes in the discussion," said Ewing, who is the Donald R. Peacor Collegiate Professor and Chair in the U-M Department of Geological Sciences and also has faculty appointments in the departments of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences and Materials Science & Engineering. "I think we have to find a way to consider the complete picture when choosing among energy sources." In an effort to capture that complete picture, Ewing compared carbon-based fossil fuels with nuclear power, considering not only the technologies involved but also the environmental impacts. Similar comparisons have been made between different energy-producing systems, "but in the case of nuclear power, such an analysis is difficult because there are different types of nuclear reactors and there is not a single nuclear fuel cycle, but rather many variants, with different strategies for reprocessing and disposing of nuclear wastes," Ewing said. His presentation, which considers various fuel cycles, shows that nuclear power generation would need to increase by a factor of three to ten over current levels to have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. "We currently have 400-plus nuclear reactors operating worldwide, and we would need something like 3,500 nuclear power plants," Ewing said. Developing the necessary nuclear technologies and building the additional power plants is an enormous undertaking that probably would take longer than the 50 years that experts say we have in which to come up with solutions to global warming, Ewing said. Even if they could be built and brought online quickly, that many power plants would generate tens of thousands of metric tons of additional nuclear waste annually. "The amount that would be created each year would be equal to the present capacity anticipated at the repository at Yucca Mountain," Ewing said, referring to the proposed disposal site in Nevada that has been under study for more than two decades. Ewing recently co-edited a book, "Uncertainty Underground," that reviews uncertainties in the analysis of the long-term performance of the Yucca Mountain repository. Plutonium created as a byproduct of nuclear power generation also is a concern because of its potential for use in nuclear weapons. "Not everyone thinks this way, but I consider the explosion of a nuclear weapon to be a pretty large environmental impact with global implications," Ewing said. "A typical nuclear weapon will kill many, many hundreds of thousands of people, and the global impact would be comparable to something like Chernobyl in the spread of fallout." So the real question, said Ewing, is: "Plutonium versus carbon---which would you rather have as your problem? I don't have the answer, but the points I'm raising are ones I think people need to be considering." For more information: Rodney Ewing: Geological Society of America: Michel T. Halbouty Distinguished Lecturer: © 2006 Newswise. All Rights Reserved. ***************************************************************** 40 Scotsman.com: British Energy juggles nuclear power plant outages Mon 23 Oct 2006 LONDON (Reuters) - All four reactors at British Energy's Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B nuclear power plants lay dormant on Monday because of possible boiler problems, a spokesman for the company said, while some of its nuclear power plants were restarted over the weekend. British Energy said last week that boiler cracks at the Hunterston B7 reactor in Scotland and the Hinkley Point B7 unit in England meant the other units at each station would have to be stopped to check for cracks in tubing. The company said at the time that it was unlikely to carry out inspections and repairs at all the units simultaneously because of a lack of manpower. But, with both units at Hinkley Point and Hunterston B7 already closed, Hunterston B8 was also shut down on Friday, according to data from National Grid. The second Scottish reactor was stopped even though BE does not have the staff it needs to carry out the inspection. The company spokesman said the unit was stopped early so that once engineers finish inspections and repairs at other reactors they can start work on Hunsterston B8 without having to wait for it to cool down. "As soon as the resources are available then you can go straight in there to work," he said. The 610-megawatt Hinkley Point B8 was shut last week for boiler checks, which the spokesman said were already under way on Monday. The 610-MW Hinkley Point B7 generator has been shut since September, because of boiler pipe cracks. But the spokesman would not give a likely restart for that unit, or for Hunterston B7, which is the worst affected of the units thus far inspected. British Energy usually produces about 20 percent of the UK's power but has had to buy power on the UK electricity market to make up for the lost output from its troubled fleet of nuclear power plants this winter. The Dungeness power plant, which has its own fuel system issues, restarted the 555-MW B22 reactor over the weekend, but the 555-MW B21 reactors is "still on a refuelling outage," the spokesman said. BE said last week that the Dungeness power station on the Kent coast would probably suffer from prolonged maintenance and refuelling outages through until next year because of work on the fuel system. Both generation units at BE's Sizewell B power station were restarted over the weekend after planned maintenance outages unconnected to the boiler problems at the Hinkley and Hunsterston power plants. One 594-MW Sizewell B turbine was brought back online on Saturday, with the second, identical unit restarted on Sunday, the spokesman said. (c) Reuters 2006. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world. ©2006 Scotsman.com| ***************************************************************** 41 TPMCafe: 'Nuclear Renaissance': 29 New US Nuclear Power Plant License Permits Sought | By maynard | bio Dale Klein, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission(NRC), was interviewedon C-SPAN's Newsmakersthis last Sunday on October 22nd, 2006. Regarding twenty nine recent pending license requests for the construction of new nuclear power plants in the US, he stated that there will be a nuclear renaissance in the United States: "I do believe that we will see license applications in 2007 and we are looking – we have expressions of intent from a lot of the utilities indicating up – as I said, up to about 29 new nuclear plants. So I believe that there will be a [nuclear] renaissance in the United States." The interview covered a broad range of nuclear issues, such as: Licenses and permits for pending US nuclear power plant construction, nuclear waste reclamation and the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, the threat of terrorism against nuclear electric generation facilities, as well as the scope of citizen involvement in the regulatory process.. He was interviewed by Cox News reporter Jeff Nesmithand George Lobsenz of Energy Daily, with the event being hosted by C-SPAN's Susan Swain. Pending Nuclear Power Plant Licenses Both Lobsenz and Nesmith directly questioned Klein on the issue of new nuclear power plant construction within the United States. Citing the Energy Policy Act of 2005(full text of legislation), which provides billions of dollars in incentives for the construction of new nuclear power plants through tax credits and loan guarantees, Klein says that the NRC has received twenty nine 'expressions of intent' from the nuclear industry to build new nuclear power plants throughout the country. Further, he stated that worldwide, there are "... 140 plants either under construction or being planned." Klein referred to Department of Energyprojections which indicate a 50% increase in electrical demand by 2025, along with environmental concerns over global climate changedue to carbon emissions, as principal reasons for the reconsideration of nuclear power generation. Currently the United states generates about 20% of its electrical capacity from 104 nuclear power plants. However, private funding availability for nuclear power generation isn't certain, with Lobsenz noting that: "There's a lot of questions on Wall Street about whether they want to invest in a nuclear plant. I think if you talk to the industry they’ll tell you, well, we're going to iron out all the kinks in the regulatory process and building these plants with the first six plants and after that it will be more like a cookie cutter and these plants will be a lot cheaper to build and a lot quicker to build. I think a lot of people need a lot of convincing on that, particular the money men." Nuclear Waste Reclamation and Yucca Mountain Speaking to the issue of Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Storage Facilityand nuclear waste reclamation, Klein appeared to contradict long standing US policy against the use fast breeder reactorsto reclaim and extend the life of nuclear fuel stock. Calling it "recycling," and noting the large number of nations that already reprocess spent nuclear fuel, Klein suggested it might be a wise policy decision: "France currently recycles, Japan is recycling, Russia will recycle, United Kingdom recycles. And so there is a lot of experience in the recycling era." [...] There are advantages to do that reducing the volume for the – for the material." This is in contrast to longstanding US policy against the construction of fast breeder reactors, going back to former President Jimmy Carter's 1977 veto of the Department of Energy Authorization Billon several grounds, one of which being that it funded the construction of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor. Since then, no new fast breeder reactors have been proposed on US soil for commercial fuel reclamation. One of the principal concerns over the use of breeder technology is that it converts non-weapons grade nuclear waste from uranium into highly radioactive plutonium, which can then be used in the construction of a nuclear weapon. However, reclamation would also stretch out the expected life of a limited nuclear resource, and in the process, reduce the amount of radioactive waste that would need to be stored at the upcoming Yucca Mountain. As Mr. Nesmith noted, one of the primary arguments against construction of the facility is the problem of transporting large amount of nuclear wastecross country for storage. Threat of Terrorism Dr. Klein did not speak long on the threat of terrorism against nuclear electric generation facilities, such as crashing a jet airliner into a nuclear power plant(warning: PDF; google cache html version), however, he did address the subject after several direct questions were posed. Lobsenz asked, within the context of 9/11: "However, the NRC has said that in doing environmental reviews of new plants it will not be looking at possible impacts from terrorism. And I think that there's been a contrary court decision questioning the NRC’s position on this. And I guess the question I would have for you is, this is clearly an issue that’s in the public’s mind about nuclear plants. And if you don’t have a public dialog in the course of doing an environmental review, how are you going to address this public concern? Shouldn’t there be a public dialog in relation to the building of these new plants about what would happen if there is a terrorism attack and maybe you could even reassure the public somewhat that something is being done?" Dr. Klein responded by pointing out that the specific issue being questioned had to do with a dry cast storage facility at Diablo Canyon. He then offered a to sooth concern about the potential threat, saying that "...nuclear power plants are examined for terrorist activities. We take that very seriously. We have a very robust program." Nesmith, noting that the National Academy of Sciences report on nuclear power plant terrorism was less optimistic of US defenses, asked if a plant-by-plant review of safety procedures, as the report recommended, due to it's finding (his words): "that it’s only a matter of time before a determined, well-equipped terrorist crashes an airliner into one of these plants and releases a large amount of radioactivity." Dr. Klein assured Nesmith that such a review had been conducted, "Yes. We do have a very robust plant-by-plant analysis both for pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors. We have a very detailed assessment." Scope of Public Participation Lobsenz also discussed with Dr. Klein the scope of public participation, and limit thereof. Noting that the only means for public participation the review process was through the National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA), he asked about security requirements in disclosing information to the public. Dr. Klein responded: "In terms of the public’s participation, because of the security requirements that are there, there are certain things that we don’t go into a lot of detail on how we address security for obvious reasons. The terrorist get too many hints the way it is. So we don’t want to provide a lot of information about how we address that, but I can assure you we do look at safety, security and reliability and we are addressing potential terrorist threats in a very robust and effective way." How this addresses public concern for reactor safety, or what other venues might be opened for the public, was not addressed. However, it would appear that a good deal of thought has been put into place to prevent a new resurgence of the anti-nuclear movementso popular back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Conclusions Based upon this interview one can reasonably assert several statements of fact: + The Bush Administration is vigorously promoting a dramatic expansion of nuclear power generation throughout the United States. There are 29 pending 'expressions of interest' for licenses to construct new plants. And there are 140 plant facilities on the drawing board or currently in construction throughout the world. + A policy review of fast breeder reclamation technology appears to be underway, with the likelihood of a transition away from opposition to new breeder facilities as set by former President Carter. + Dr. Klein acted to assure the public that the threat against nuclear power plants from terrorism is being handled with all due diligence. Even as the two reporters directly questioned him about a NAS report that suggests the threat is real and highly dangerous. + The limits to public participation in regulating the nuclear industry are in the form of EPA procedures, thereby forcing all concerns to fit within the framework of environmental concerns. Terrorism, and other issues, are apparently not relevant issues for public participation. Based upon this interview one might reasonably ask: is the threat from global warming due to human carbon emissions greater than the threat of radioactive contamination due to a nuclear accident or terrorist attack? Is the transition to promoting nuclear fuel reclamation through a new class of fast breeder reactors a wise policy move, or a dangerous one considering its nuclear proliferation potential? And what should the scope of public involvement be for future nuclear regulation? All worthy questions. The answers, however, are far more difficult to discern. --- Updates and archive available at Daduh.org Text Copyright ©2006 J. Maynard Gelinas. Art Credit: Bridgeman Art Library International Copyright © 2006 TPM Media LLC. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 42 UPI: Analysis: Terror goes beyond cargo ships United Press International - Security &Terrorism - 10/23/2006 12:33:00 PM -0400 By JACOB RUSSELL UPI Correspondent WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Cruise ships could prove softer, more attractive targets for terrorists than container cargo vessels, U.S. experts warn. The issue of maritime terrorism is much more complex than the threat of nuclear or radiological detonation on container ships, according to a recent report from experts. "There is, admittedly, an overly strong emphasis on containers," Detlof von Winterfeldt, director of the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events, said. The threats of targeting cruise ships or ferries are much more probable and must be taken into account. "It's beyond just being concerned about containers," Henry Willis, policy researcher for Rand Corp., told United Press International. Container ships are for the most part bad for terrorist agendas, according to Peter Chalk, associate political scientist for the Rand Corp. They are difficult to sink and they more often than not operate on skeleton crews. Most attacks warrant little publicity. "Cargo ships are out of sight, out mind," Chalk said. "We do know that terrorists like to take public transportation modes that involve lots of people ... like trains," von Winterfeldt said. Chalk and Willis are two of the five authors of the 150-plus page report "Maritime Terrorism: Risk and Liability." It is still important to be prepared, as these ships are beneficial for terrorists to facilitate operations. Since most of them run on skeleton crews, it would not be difficult to covertly put weapons or personnel in containers and smuggle them into ports. The likeliness that nuclear weapons would be smuggled is slim, both authors agreed. Not everybody is so certain. "Certainly we have maritime terrorism; the real threat in everybody's mind is the important of nuclear or radiological devices through container traffic," von Winterfeldt said. "Some of our analyses suggest a dirty bomb attack would have severe economic impact," Isaac Maya, director of research at the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events, added. However, the hijacking of cruise ships is a much more likely and looming threat, as there have already been several cases. One such case was in 1985, when Palestinian terrorists hijacked the Italian cruise ship the Achille Lauro on the Mediterranean. Several people were shot and one American was killed. At the time, it made a lot of press, according to von Winterfeldt. A big fear is that terrorists will use pleasure boats such as yachts to bring in their materials. "Those are relatively unprotected," von Winterfeldt said. While attacking a cruise ship is incredibly difficult to do, as cruise ship's hulls are double-lined, they're water tight, they have good stability in water, and they are very big, other attacks could be directed against them that could scare people. For example, terrorists could bomb areas where lots of passengers congregate, such as casinos. Other methods would include the use of flat trajectory weapons -- sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades -- during boarding as passengers tend to congregate on the upper deck. There have also been cases of arson attacks. Contaminated food supply is another potential problem. Ferries, likewise, have a higher risk. While all of the above apply to ferries, they are also easier to sink, particularly vehicular ferries which transport trucks and cars. Much of the screening of trucks and cars are rudimentary because of the sheer numbers involved. These types of ferries also have a very susceptible center of gravity. A small amount of water in these areas can capsize a ship. Chalk said it has been suggested that as little as 1 foot of water on the lower deck could tip a ferry. Arson attacks, likewise -- if they aren't put out quickly -- can have catastrophic effects. At the same time, there are many factors to deter terrorists from maritime attacks. Land operations, for one, are easier to facilitate; since targets are stationary, they are immediately accessible to reporters. Being on the sea also requires special controls. "We do not see this as a report that says the next attack will be in the maritime domain," Willis said. "In fact, if you use the logic laid out in the reports, threats on land would be more likely than threats in the maritime environment. We wanted to show that the risk in the maritime domain is more complex than it may have been perceived on a first assessment." There is a definite risk that must be dealt with by policymakers. Several factors include the proliferation of companies specializing in maritime equipment or sport, such as scuba diving, which makes sea operations more accessible at affordable costs. The increased pressure on many states to act on homeland security also makes getting onto land more difficult. "The public needs to understand that homeland security extends beyond the TSA security to which it is mostly exposed, and that there is terrorist risk in other areas that needs to be addressed," Maya said. © Copyright 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************** 43 [NukeNet] X-Zone Talk Radio - US forces' use of depleted Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:12:56 -0700 X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61] X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61 X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST NukeNet Anti-Nuclear Network (nukenet@energyjustice.net) US forces' use of depleted uranium weapons is 'illegal' www.xzone-radio.com. To listen to the archives which will be available for the month of original broadcast, just go to www.xzone-radio.com/archives.htm and enjoy! To buy past programs, visti www.xzone-radio.com/archivestore.htm By Neil Mackay, Investigations Editor BRITISH and American coalition forces are using depleted uranium (DU) shells in the war against Iraq and deliberately flouting a United Nations resolution which classifies the munitions as illegal weapons of mass destruction. DU contaminates land, causes ill-health and cancers among the soldiers using the weapons, the armies they target and civilians, leading to birth defects in children. Professor Doug Rokke, ex-director of the Pentagon's depleted uranium project -- a former professor of environmental science at Jacksonville University and onetime US army colonel who was tasked by the US department of defence with the post-first Gulf war depleted uranium desert clean-up -- said use of DU was a 'war crime'. Rokke said: 'There is a moral point to be made here. This war was about Iraq possessing illegal weapons of mass destruction -- yet we are using weapons of mass destruction ourselves.' He added: 'Such double-standards are repellent.' The latest use of DU in the current conflict came on Friday when an American A10 tankbuster plane fired a DU shell, killing one British soldier and injuring three others in a 'friendly fire' incident. According to a August 2002 report by the UN subcommission, laws which are breached by the use of DU shells include: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Charter of the United Nations; the Genocide Convention; the Convention Against Torture; the four Geneva Conventions of 1949; the Conventional Weapons Convention of 1980; and the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which expressly forbid employing 'poison or poisoned weapons' and 'arms, projectiles or materials calculated to cause unnecessary suffering'. All of these laws are designed to spare civilians from unwarranted suffering in armed conflicts. DU has been blamed for the effects of Gulf war syndrome -- typified by chronic muscle and joint pain, fatigue and memory loss -- among 200,000 US soldiers after the 1991 conflict. It is also cited as the most likely cause of the 'increased number of birth deformities and cancer in Iraq' following the first Gulf war. 'Cancer appears to have increased between seven and 10 times and deformities between four and six times,' according to the UN subcommission. The Pentagon has admitted that 320 metric tons of DU were left on the battlefield after the first Gulf war, although Russian military experts say 1000 metric tons is a more accurate figure. In 1991, the Allies fired 944,000 DU rounds or some 2700 tons of DU tipped bombs. A UK Atomic Energy Authority report said that some 500,000 people would die before the end of this century, due to radioactive debris left in the desert. The use of DU has also led to birth defects in the children of Allied veterans and is believed to be the cause of the 'worrying number of anophthalmos cases -- babies born without eyes' in Iraq. Only one in 50 million births should be anophthalmic, yet one Baghdad hospital had eight cases in just two years. Seven of the fathers had been exposed to American DU anti-tank rounds in 1991. There have also been cases of Iraqi babies born without the crowns of their skulls, a deformity also linked to DU shelling. A study of Gulf war veterans showed that 67% had children with severe illnesses, missing eyes, blood infections, respiratory problems and fused fingers. Rokke told the Sunday Herald: 'A nation's military personnel cannot wilfully contaminate any other nation, cause harm to persons and the environment and then ignore the consequences of their actions. 'To do so is a crime against humanity. 'We must do what is right for the citizens of the world -- ban DU.' He called on the US and UK to 'recognise the immoral consequences of their actions and assume responsibility for medical care and thorough environmental remediation'. He added: 'We can't just use munitions which leave a toxic wasteland behind them and kill indiscriminately. 'It is equivalent to a war crime.' Rokke said that coalition troops were currently fighting in the Gulf without adequate respiratory protection against DU contamination. The Sunday Herald has previously revealed how the Ministry of Defence had test-fired some 6350 DU rounds into the Solway Firth over more than a decade, from 1989 to 1999. _______________________________________________________________________ Subscribe/Unsubscribe Here: http://www.energyjustice.net/nukenet/ Change your settings or access the archives at: http://mail.energyjustice.net/mailman/listinfo/nukenet_energyjustice.net ***************************************************************** 44 [DU List] Dai Williams study on weapons used Lebanon Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:13:10 -0700 X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61] X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61 X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST Dai Williams' report - Eos weapons study in Lebanon, September 2006 - interim report available online at www.eoslifework http://www.eoslifework.co.uk/pdfs/u26leb806.pdf If problems accessing the pdf file, then go straight to http://www.eoslifework.co.uk/ and scroll down. This site is all very good at it holds most of Dai Williams work and has plenty of useful data and statistics that can be used by groups and activists tackling uranium weapons Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com __._,_.___ e220a.jpg SPONSORED LINKS Pandora bead Government software Government contract Pandora jewelry Pandora Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe __,_._,___ Attachment Converted: e220a.jpg: 00000001,72ddca9a,00000000,00000000 ***************************************************************** 45 [NukeNet] Scotland: 300 islanders accuse UK government of Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:23:21 -0700 X-Nohoney: yes white-hard - relay H=adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (borg.energy-net.org) [63.203.231.61] X-Sender-Host-Address: 63.203.231.61 X-Sender-Host-Name: adsl-63-203-231-61.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net X-Spam-Class: HAM-VERY-WHITELIST NukeNet Anti-Nuclear Network (nukenet@energyjustice.net) http://www.sundayherald.com/58616 Sunday Herald - 22 October 2006 300 islanders accuse UK government of exposing them to A-bomb fallout By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor ---------- Forty-eight years ago Suitupe Kirotomi was caught in a shower of rain. Standing on the deck of a British naval ship in the middle of the Pacific, she remembers the wetness on her face. Kirotomi didn’t realise it at the time, but it was a very hard rain. Soon afterwards, her hair started falling out when she combed it. And bright red burns grew across her scalp and her face. The rain had fallen from Britain’s biggest mushroom cloud. The cloud had been made by a massive three-megaton blast from a nuclear test – codenamed Grapple Y – over the Pacific near Christmas Island on April 28, 1958. Now aged 73, Kirotomi is still scarred. “The burn mark remains on my face today,” she said. According to experts, there is a risk that it could turn cancerous. “My face was worst affected because I was looking up at the black cloud from the blast, which was directly above us when the light shower fell,” she recalled. Along with 300 other former Christmas Island residents, Kirotomi is now trying to win justice from the European parliament. She has made a submission to the petitions committee accusing the British government of breaking the law by failing to protect her heath. Her petition alleges that she was taken off the island at 3am on the morning of the Grapple Y explosion. Along with fellow islanders, she was shown cartoon films below deck on a British military vessel. After the explosion, Kirotomi was invited to come up on deck to see the mushroom cloud. Although the crew were wearing protective clothing over their heads, she was in her everyday clothes when the rain fell. It was only years later, in 1998, that Kirotomi connected her hair loss and facial burn with the fallout from the bomb. She went to see a doctor who said that radiation could be to blame. Her petition alleges the British government was aware of the risks of fallout in 1958, as it proposed a 400-mile danger zone around Christmas Island. Declassified government documents from the time stated that radioactivity washed out by rain could cause “very hazardous contamination”. But islanders were not warned of the dangers or evacuated to a safe place. The British government tried to pretend they didn’t exist, the petition claims. “Neither now nor at any time in the past has this desolate atoll had any indigenous population,” said a briefing for the British Mission to the United Nations in New York. Kirotomi is being represented by Ian Anderson, a Scottish lawyer based in New York with experience of nuclear cases. He argues that the British government has a duty under a 1996 directive from Euratom – the EU’s nuclear agency – to care for the people of Christmas Island, which was a British colony until 1979. “The UK prefers not to deal with the long-term effects of radiation exposure, especially where it involves civilian populations for which it was responsible,” Anderson told the Sunday Herald. Kirotomi’s petition is being strongly resisted by the British government. Islanders were mustered aboard ships for their own safety, insisted Bill Jones, a senior official with the UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. The ships were anchored 45 kilometres upwind of Grapple Y, where the risk of contamination was “highly unlikely”, he claimed. Onboard radiation monitoring instruments did not detect any excess radiation. No studies of the islanders’ health had been carried out, he said, “since there is no evidence to suggest they may have been exposed to raised radiation levels”. Jones added: “The UK nuclear weapons trials were planned with meticulous care, with very careful attention paid to the safety of the participants and the local indigenous population.” Kirotomi has won some support, however, from a leading expert on the health effects of nuclear tests. “It was known from the first atomic test in 1945 that radioactive rain was likely to fall within hours of the detonations,” said Sue Roff of Dundee University Medical School. “There is archival evidence that rain fell after the tests at Christmas Island similar to the ‘black rain’ after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs.” ---------- Copyright © 2006 smg sunday newspapers ltd. no.176088 Back to previous page _______________________________________________________________________ Subscribe/Unsubscribe Here: http://www.energyjustice.net/nukenet/ Change your settings or access the archives at: http://mail.energyjustice.net/mailman/listinfo/nukenet_energyjustice.net ***************************************************************** 46 PennLive.com: Study asks: How bad would a nuclear accident be? Posted by The Patriot-NewsOctober 23, 2006 12:30 Federal nuclear regulators will conduct a comprehensive study to measure how bad a radiation release from a commercial nuclear power plant would be. The three-year study by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will begin with six plants, including the Peach Bottom nuclear station in southern York County. "The study will give emergency preparedness, NRC staff and [plant owners] a much clearer picture of how accidents could affect people around the plant,'' said Scott Brunnell, a spokesman for the NRC. "This will help improve aspects of operation of the plants.'' "Our position is that having better information can be nothing but a good thing,'' said April Schilpp, spokeswoman for Exelon Nuclear, owner of Peach Bottom. "It will help everybody plan better.'' Though the agency is starting with six plants, it intends to conduct studies at all 63 U.S. nuclear sites by the end of the three-year period, Brunnell said. The Patriot-News. ***************************************************************** 47 globeandmail.com: Cancer fund to explore environmental links to illness Posted AT 5:10 AM EDT ON 23/10/06 Non-profit agency looks to gather data on factors that remain under-researched MARTIN MITTELSTAEDT From Monday's Globe and Mail TORONTO — When it comes to funding cancer research, one study area almost always comes up short: finding out what might be changing in the environment that is leading more people to get the dreaded disease. While tens of millions of dollars are spent annually in Canada on finding cancer cures, better drug treatments and understanding its genetic causes, only a tiny fraction of the research money is set aside for investigating possible environmental or pollution links to the disease. To try to fill this gap, the Cancer Research Society plans to announce today in Toronto that it is setting up a new fund dedicated solely to investigating the role the environment plays in people developing the disease. The society, a non-profit fundraising agency based in Montreal, wants to fund investigations into such factors as the contaminants seeping from waste dumps, hazardous chemicals in consumer products, and the radioactive radon gas found in many homes. It has also lined up prominent environmentalists to help it target the research priorities. While cigarette smoke and ultraviolet sunlight are well known cancer-causing agents, "there is not much known about the other killers," CRS president Mario Chevrette says. Dr. Chevrette says there are "probably links between the genome of the individual and the soup of chemicals in which he is living, or she is living," that can explain some cancers. Among the cancers whose age-adjusted incidence rates have been increasing sharply in Canada in recent decades, and therefore might be linked to exposures to new types of environmental contaminants, are breast, testicular, prostate and thyroid, although experts caution that part of the rise in rates of some of these illnesses is due to earlier detection. The subject of whether pollution is a big cause of cancer is hotly contested, with many environmentalists and some medical researchers convinced smokestack emissions, pesticides, plastics and many chemicals used in consumer products are leaving their fingerprints all over current cancer statistics. But cancer organizations have traditionally played down worries about the environment, and have instead stressed the large role that lifestyle factors, such as smoking, exposure to the sun, physical inactivity and failure to eat enough fruit and vegetables, can play in driving the incidence of the disease. The Canadian Cancer Society, for instance, says it believes at least half of all cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes, with the biggest single step being to stop smoking. In a publication on its website discussing pollution, the society says "current scientific evidence suggests that a small percentage of cancers are related to exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment." However, the organization is also interested in further research on the subject and this year helped back a $1-million effort to study occupational and environmental exposures to cancer-causing substances, along with lifestyle factors, to look for clues to cancer prevention. Environmental factors, including what people eat, the pollutants in the air they breathe and lifestyle factors, are "responsible for a high percentage of the cancers that we get," Dr. Chevrette says. If pollutants are causing some cancers, it will be important to pass regulations banning or restricting the chemicals responsible, once researchers have determined what they are. There has been some research into possible environmental links that suggest they could be a major cause of some cancers. In one such recent case, researchers announced this month that women in the Windsor area who developed breast cancer were three times more likely to have worked on farms at some point, and the risk increased further if women who farmed subsequently got jobs in automobile plants. But the researcher who headed the project, Jim Brophy, an occupational disease expert, says he has found that agencies that fund cancer studies are seldom interested in looking at whether inadvertent exposures to pesticides or chemicals play a role in the development of the disease. "It's just not on the radar of cancer agencies to look at involuntary exposures," he says. Some advocates for the eradication of cancer also want more study of the possible role environmental factors play in the disease. Barry Stein, president of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, says he is "very concerned about the environmental impact on colorectal cancer," citing such possible risk factors as occupation and where a person lives. Two prominent environmentalists will also sit on the advisory board for the Cancer Research Society's new fund and help choose areas for study: Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence, and Ann Rowan, a director at the David Suzuki Foundation. © Copyright 2006 Bell Globemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. globeandmail.com and The Globe and Mail are divisions of Bell Globemedia Publishing Inc., 444 Front St. W., Toronto, Canada M5V 2S9 Phillip Crawley, Publisher ***************************************************************** 48 OneWorld UK: U.S. Public at Risk from Radiation - Scientists OneWorld.net Abid Aslam OneWorld US News --> 21 October 2006 WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (OneWorld) - The United States, in a twist on social Darwinism, maintains protection standards so low that they shield only the strongest people from cancer-causing radiation. So say scientists whose conclusions are propelling a new campaign to provide greater safety for women, children, and others at greatest risk. ''A central principle of environmental health protection--protecting those most at risk--is missing from much of the U.S. regulatory framework for radiation,'' said Arjun Makhijani, president of the Takoma Park, Maryland-based Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) and co-author of a study, released Thursday, that is driving the campaign. Many federal radiation protection standards, such as limits on how much residual radiation is allowed in contaminated soil, are designed to protect ''Reference Man,'' a hypothetical Caucasian male, says the report, Science for the Vulnerable: Setting Radiation and Multiple Exposure Environmental Health Standards to Protect Those Most at Risk. Not just any white man, the notional beneficiary of existing safety standards is 20-30 years old, weighs 154 pounds, stands five feet and seven inches tall, and is Western European or North American in habitat and custom. The trouble, according to campaigners for increased protection, is that women, children, and others often are more sensitive to the harmful effects of radiation or toxic materials. ''I've never known a woman to give birth to a full-grown, 154-pound 'Reference Man','' said Mary Brune, co-founder of Alameda, California-based MOMS, Making Our Milk Safe. The 105-page IEER report sets out to discuss the higher risks to women and girls of certain kinds of cancer, notably thyroid cancer. It finds that a female infant drinking contaminated milk is 100 times more at risk of thyroid cancer than an adult male. For the same dose of radiation, women have a 52 percent greater chance of getting cancer than do men. ''A considerable and growing body of evidence indicates that exposure to radiation and synthetic chemicals is contributing to increasing rates of breast cancer in the U.S. and other industrialized countries,'' said Jeanne Rizzo, a registered nurse and executive director of the San Francisco-based Breast Cancer Fund. ''If we change our safety standards to specifically protect women and girls, we will spend less time, money and heartache treating diseases caused by environmental exposures,'' Rizzo added. There also is some evidence that the children of fathers exposed to radiation around the time they conceived their offspring face an increased risk of leukemia, a type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream, scientists say. The report cautions against conclusions about the number of Americans who might have been affected by this or other radiation risks, however, and notes that the specialized research needed to arrive at such conclusions is scant and difficult to conduct. Cancer is not the only specter causing worry among campaigners. The report cites research findings that radioactive tritium--already found in water used for drinking, irrigation, and recreation--crosses the placenta, affects the developing fetus, and can cause early failed pregnancies as well as birth defects. ''These health risks are not part of regulatory considerations currently despite the fact that tritium discharges are occurring from both nuclear power plants and some nuclear weapons facilities, such as the Savannah River Site'' in South Carolina, Makhijani and his colleagues said in a statement. Likewise overlooked in official standards is the interaction of radioactive and chemical pollution, which combine to multiply people's risk of disease, the scientists said. On Thursday, they joined a coalition of local and national health, environmental, and women's organizations; academics specialized in terrorism, medicine, and public health; and politicians in demanding that President George W. Bush order federal agencies to review their radiation exposure standards. Agencies at issue include the U.S. Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration. Officials there could not be reached for immediate comment. Existing standards fly in the face of presidential orders issued by Bill Clinton in 1997 and seconded by Bush, campaigners said in an open letter to the chief executive. ''The use of Reference Man is not in accord with Presidential Executive Order 13045 on the Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks, which you endorsed with amendments in 2003,'' they wrote to Bush. The directive instructs federal agencies to address children's disproportionate vulnerability to environmental hazards, they added. Solutions appear already to be in hand, according to IEER, which provides scientific consulting services to official and private organizations. Useful concepts such as the ''maximally exposed individual'' and the ''critical group'' already exist and could help protect the most sensitive but have not been widely applied, the report says. Besides abandoning Reference Man and replacing him with the most vulnerable population subgroup, it recommends ratcheting up workplace radiation protection and notes that the U.S. standard for allowable exposure is ''five times more lax than that in Germany.'' Unlike Europe, it adds, the United States lacks and must adopt extra protection measures against bodily contamination for women who breastfeed and who work at radiation-controlled job sites. Likewise, it urges regulators to restrict the discharge of tritium so that every liter of surface water in areas surrounding nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons sites contains no more than 500 picocuries of tritium. Colorado already has adopted this standard for the environs of the now-defunct Rocky Flats nuclear plant near Denver and the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to this limit as a site-specific standard in the cleanup of Rocky Flats, the report says. ''The present national drinking water maximum contaminant limit for tritium is 20,000 picocuries per liter,'' the report says, adding that drinking water standards have failed to take into account the non-cancer health risks of exposure to tritium. ***************************************************************** 49 Japan Times: All towns to get missile, disaster alert device japantimes.co.jp Monday, Oct. 23, 2006 All towns to get missile, disaster alert device Kyodo News The Fire and Disaster Management Agency is planning to provide every city, town and village in Japan with receivers for satellite signals warning of a ballistic missile attack or natural disaster. The move comes amid growing concern over North Korea's missile launches and recent nuclear test, as well as the ever-present danger of earthquakes and tsunami. The agency is planning to start running the J-ALERT nationwide instantaneous warning system in the next fiscal year, which begins April 1, after local governments make the necessary preparations to receive the signal, officials said. The agency plans to provide the receiver -- a satellite modem that can pick up signals transmitted by the agency -- over the next two years to around 1,400 cities, towns and villages equipped with wireless communications systems for disaster preparedness, the officials said. Municipalities that do not have with such wireless systems will be provided with the modems after they have the necessary equipment. The alert system is designed to issue warnings from the Prime Minister's Office and the Meteorological Agency via the fire department agency, which will transmit signals to the municipalities via satellite. A signal will activate a wireless disaster preparedness system that will set off sirens and trigger other warning mechanisms. The agency is requesting about 200 million yen in fiscal 2007 to purchase the modems. In fiscal 2005, the agency conducted experiments using the J-ALERT system in 16 cities in 15 prefectures, including Kamaichi, Iwate Prefecture, and Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture. The system was able to kick into gear in four seconds to 22 seconds. The Japan Times (C) All rights reserved ***************************************************************** 50 TheStar.com: Flood containment fails at Cameco mine Mon. Oct. 23, 2006. | Updated at 06:56 PM PMCANADIAN PRESS SASKATOON  A massive emergency door has failed to hold back flooding at the Cigar Lake uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, and Cameco Corp. (TSX: CCO) expects all of its underground operations to be inundated. Monday afternoon's announcement came less than three hours after executives had expressed confidence that two heavy bulkheads would contain intense flooding that erupted Sunday after a rockfall in a shaft half a kilometre underground. Cameco shares, which were down about four per cent on the initial news of the flooding, plunged as much as 12.7 per cent after word that the entire mine would be deluged. "We found that one of the doors did not seal properly which allowed significant water to flow into the processing area," the company stated. "Efforts to fully seal the door were not successful and the inflow exceeded capacity to pump out the water." As a result, "all underground areas of the Cigar Lake project are expected to be filled with water." The company, the world's largest uranium miner, said its workers are safe and there is no environmental impact. CEO Jerry Grandey said he could could not indicate how much further the miner's plans would be set back by the failure to keep the water out of the main shaft and major equipment installations in the processing area. He had said Monday morning that the contained flooding would delay the mine by at least a year from its scheduled 2008 completion, and would add "significant" costs to a capital budget last estimated at $660 million. The problem began with a rockfall Sunday afternoon in a previously dry area near the end of a shaft, followed by a deluge of water running at 1,500 cubic metres per hour, Grandey said. Workers began on Sunday evening to close the two steel doors intended to prevent water from rising above the production level into the underground infrastructure of the mine. Cameco initially said the bulkheads were sealed by 5 a.m. local time Monday. These doors  in steel cylinders placed in 10-metre lengths of concrete  are 480 metres underground and were designed to withstand the pressure of a column of water more than that in height. The door leakage was blamed on a seal failure which allowed a water flow that overwhelmed pump capacity. The mine was evacuated and is expected to take several days to fill completely. Cameco stock was halted Monday afternoon, and when trading resumed after word of the deepening trouble at Cigar Lake the shares fell as much as $5.45 to $37.50, before closing with a loss of $4.00 or 9.3 per cent at $38.95 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. "We've recognized from the outset that this is a difficult mine . . . with water above us in the sandstone," CEO Grandey commented. The rockfall occurred about 11 metres below the sandstone, and Grandey said the water flow is significantly greater than anything experienced at MacArthur River, another Saskatchewan mine where Cameco suffered serious flooding in 2003. Cameco "is committed to develop plans to remediate the project and preserve this valuable asset," the company stressed. Cigar Lake is the largest known undeveloped high-grade uranium deposit, with an ore body estimated to be worth $12 billion. The latest problem follows flooding in April that put back construction by six months and helped swell estimated costs to $660 million from $520 million. Grandey stressed that the Cigar Lake problem does not affect Cameco's ability to meet contractual obligations to its customers. "We do have a number of other supply sources, we do have inventories, and clearly there's not going to be any impact on our deliveries until 2008, when Cigar Lake was scheduled to begin making deliveries on a ramp-up mode." Additionally, he said, Cameco's supply contracts provide general protection against interruptions, including "the ability to defer, delay or indeed even cancel Cigar Lake deliveries, depending on the circumstances at the mine." He declined to speculate on the impact on global uranium prices. Cigar Lake is half-owned by Cameco, with 37 per cent held by the Areva Group of France, eight per cent by Idemitsu Kosan Co. of Japan and five per cent by a subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Co. Grandey said the additional costs will be shared by the co-owners. He acknowledged a "risk" to the mine's eventual production target of 18 million pounds a year, and Cameco will have to ``develop new timelines for construction, cost estimates and production forecasts." Legal Notice: Copyright Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. ***************************************************************** 51 NRC: In the Matter of USEC Inc. (American Centrifuge Plant) and All FR Doc E6-17726 [Federal Register: October 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 204)] [Notices] [Page 62130-62136] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23oc06-87] Other Persons Who Seek or Obtain Access to Safeguards Information Described Herein; Order Imposing Requirements for the Protection of and Access to Safeguards Information (Effective Immediately) I USEC Inc. (USEC or the Applicant) applied for a license, to be issued in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) of 1954, by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) authorizing it to construct and operate a uranium enrichment facility, known as the American Centrifuge Plant, in Piketon, Ohio. NRC plans to provide USEC, for its information, copies of Orders issued to Category III facilities on interim measures to enhance physical security at those facilities. Those Orders will contain Safeguards Information.\1\ In addition, in the future, the Commission may issue the Applicant additional Orders that require compliance with specific additional security measures to enhance security at the facility. These Orders are also expected to contain Safeguards Information, which cannot be released to the public and must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. Therefore, the Commission is imposing the requirements, as set forth in Attachments A, B, and C of this Order, so that the Applicant can receive these documents. This Order also imposes requirements for the protection of Safeguards Information in the hands of any person,\2\ whether or not a Applicant of the Commission, who produces, receives, or acquires Safeguards Information. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- \1\ Safeguards Information is a form of sensitive, unclassified, security-related information that the Commission has the authority to designate and protect under section 147 of the AEA. \2\ Person means: (1) Any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, group, government agency other than the Commission or the Department of Energy, except that the Department of Energy shall be considered a person with respect to those facilities of the Department specified in section 202 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (88 Stat. 1244), any State or any political subdivision of, or any political entity within a State, any foreign government or nation or any political subdivision of any such government or nation, or other entity; and (2) any legal successor, representative, agent, or agency of the foregoing. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- On August 8, 2005, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) was enacted. Section 652 of the EPAct amended Section 149 of the AEA to require fingerprinting and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identification and criminal history records check of any person who is to be permitted to have access to Safeguards Information. The NRC's implementation of this requirement cannot await the completion of the Safeguards Information rulemaking, which is underway, because the EPAct fingerprinting and criminal history check requirements for access to Safeguards Information were immediately effective upon enactment of the EPAct. Although the EPAct permits the Commission by rule to except certain categories of individuals from the fingerprinting requirement, which the Commission has done (See 10 CFR 73.59, 71 FR 33,989 (June 13, 2006)), it is unlikely that many Applicant employees are excepted from the fingerprinting requirement by the ``fingerprinting relief'' rule. Individuals relieved from the fingerprinting and criminal history checks under the relief rule include Federal, State, and local officials and law enforcement personnel; Agreement State inspectors, who conduct security inspections on behalf of the NRC; members of Congress and certain employees of members of Congress or Congressional Committees; representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency or certain foreign government organizations. In addition, individuals who have a favorably-decided U.S. Government criminal history check within the last five (5) years, and individuals who have active Federal security clearances (provided in either case that they make available the appropriate documentation), have satisfied the EPAct fingerprinting requirement and need not be fingerprinted again. Therefore, in accordance with Section 149 of the AEA, as amended by the EPAct, the Commission is imposing additional requirements, as set forth by this Order, for access to Safeguards Information so that affected Applicant can obtain and grant access to Safeguards Information. This Order also imposes requirements for access to Safeguards Information by any person, from any person, whether or not a Licensee, Applicant, or Certificate Holder of the Commission or Agreement States. Subsequent to the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, the NRC issued Orders requiring certain entities to implement Additional Security Measures (ASM) or Compensatory Measures (CM) for certain radioactive materials. The requirements imposed by these Orders, and certain measures [[Page 62131]] licensees have developed to comply with the Orders, were designated by the NRC as Safeguards Information. For some materials licensees, the storage and handling requirements for the Safeguards Information have been modified from the existing 10 CFR Part 73 Safeguards Information requirements for reactors and fuel cycle facilities that require a higher level of protection; such Safeguards Information is designated as Safeguards Information--Modified Handling (SGI-M). However, the information subject to the SGI-M handling and protection requirements is Safeguards Information, and licensees, applicants, and other persons who seek or obtain access to such Safeguards Information are subject to this Order. II The Commission has broad statutory authority to protect Safeguards Information and prohibit its unauthorized disclosure. Section 147 of the AEA, as amended, grants the Commission explicit authority to ``* * * issue such orders, as necessary to prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of safeguards information. * * *'' Furthermore, Section 652 of the EPAct amended Section 149 of the AEA to require fingerprinting and an FBI identification and a criminal history records check of each individual who seeks access to Safeguards Information. In addition, no person may have access to Safeguards Information unless the person has an established need-to-know and satisfies the trustworthy and reliability requirements of those Orders. Licensees, applicants, and all persons who produce, receive, or acquire Safeguards Information must ensure proper handling and protection of Safeguards Information, to avoid unauthorized disclosure, in accordance with the specific requirements for the protection of Safeguards Information contained in Attachments A, B, and C. The Commission hereby provides notice that it intends to treat violations of the requirements contained in Attachments A, B, and C, applicable to the handling and unauthorized disclosure of Safeguards Information, as serious breaches of adequate protection of the public health and safety and the common defense and security of the United States. Access to Safeguards Information is limited to those persons who have established a need-to-know the information, and are considered to be trustworthy and reliable, and who satisfy the fingerprinting and criminal history records check required by the EPAct and this Order. A ``need-to-know'' means a determination by a person having responsibility for protecting Safeguards Information that a proposed recipient's access to Safeguards Information is necessary in the performance of official, contractual, or Applicant duties of employment. The Applicant and all other persons who obtain Safeguards Information must ensure that they develop, maintain, and implement strict policies and procedures for the proper handling of Safeguards Information, to prevent unauthorized disclosure, in accordance with the requirements in Attachments A, B, and C. The Applicant must ensure that all contractors whose employees may have access to Safeguards Information either adhere to the Applicant's policies and procedures on Safeguards Information or develop, maintain, and implement their own acceptable policies and procedures. The Applicant remains responsible for the conduct of its contractors. The policies and procedures necessary to ensure compliance with applicable requirements contained in Attachments A, B, and C must address, at a minimum, the following: (1) The general performance requirement that each person who produces, receives, or acquires Safeguards Information shall ensure that Safeguards Information is protected against unauthorized disclosure; (2) protection of Safeguards Information at fixed sites, in use and in storage, and while in transit; (3) correspondence containing Safeguards Information; (4) access to Safeguards Information; (5) preparation, marking, reproduction, and destruction of documents; (6) external transmission of documents; (7) use of automatic data processing systems; and (8) removal of the Safeguards Information category. To provide assurance that the Applicant is implementing appropriate measures to achieve a consistent level of protection to prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of Safeguards Information, the Applicant shall implement the requirements for access to Safeguards Information in this Order, including the requirements in Attachments A, B, and C of this Order. In addition, pursuant to 10 CFR 2.202, I find that in light of the common defense and security matters identified above, which warrant the issuance of this Order, the public health, safety, and interest require that this Order be effective immediately. III Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 53, 62, 63, 81, 147, 149, 161b, 161i, 161o, 182, and 186 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 2.202, 10 CFR Part 30, 10 CFR Part 40, and 10 CFR Part 70, It is hereby ordered, Effective Immediately, that the applicant and all other persons who produce, receive, or acquire the additional security measures identified above (whether draft or final), or who seek or obtain access to Safeguards Information, shall comply with the requirements set forth in this order, including the requirements in Attachments A, B, and C. A. 1. No person may have access to Safeguards Information unless that person has a need-to-know the Safeguards Information, has been fingerprinted or who has a favorably decided FBI identification and criminal history records check, and satisfies all other applicable requirements for access to Safeguards Information. Fingerprinting and the FBI identification and criminal history records check are not required, however, for any person who is relieved from that requirement by 10 CFR 73.59 (71 FR 33,989 (June 13, 2006)) or who has a favorably- decided U.S. Government criminal history check within the last five (5) years, or who has an active Federal security clearance, provided in each case that the appropriate documentation is made available to the Applicant's NRC-approved reviewing official. 2. No person may have access to any Safeguards Information if the NRC has determined, based on fingerprinting and an FBI identification and criminal history records check, that the person may not have access to Safeguards Information. B. No person may provide Safeguards Information to any other person except in accordance with condition III.A above. Prior to providing Safeguards Information to any person, a copy of this Order shall be provided to that person. C. The Applicant shall comply with the following requirements: 1. The Applicant shall, within twenty (20) days of the date of this Order, establish and maintain a fingerprinting program that meets the requirements of Attachment C to this Order. 2. The Applicant shall, within twenty (20) days of the date of this Order, submit the fingerprints of one (1) individual who needs access to Safeguards Information and who the Applicant nominates as the ``reviewing official'' for determining access to Safeguards Information by other individuals. The NRC will determine whether this individual (or any subsequent reviewing official) may have access to Safeguards Information and, therefore, will be permitted to serve as [[Page 62132]] the Applicant's reviewing official.\3\ The Applicant may, at the same time or later, submit the fingerprints of other individuals to whom the Applicant seeks to grant access to Safeguards Information. Fingerprints shall be submitted and reviewed in accordance with the procedures described in Attachment C of this Order. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- \3\ The NRC's determination of this individual's access to Safeguards Information in accordance with the process described in Enclosure 3 to the transmittal letter of this Order is an administrative determination that is outside the scope of this Order. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- 3. The Applicant shall, in writing, within twenty (20) days of the date of this Order, notify the Commission, (1) If it is unable to comply with any of the requirements described in the Order, including Attachments A, B, and C, or (2) if compliance with any of the requirements is unnecessary in its specific circumstances. The notification shall provide the Applicant's justification for seeking relief from or variation of any specific requirement. Applicant responses to C.1., C.2., and C.3. above shall be submitted to the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555. In addition, Applicant responses shall be marked as ``Security-Related Information--Withhold Under 10 CFR 2.390.'' The Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, may, in writing, relax or rescind any of the above conditions, on demonstration of good cause by the Applicant. IV In accordance with 10 CFR 2.202, the Applicant must, and any other person adversely affected by this Order may, submit an answer to this Order, and may request a hearing on this Order, within twenty (20) days of the date of this Order. Where good cause is shown, consideration will be given to extending the time to request a hearing. A request for extension of time in which to submit an answer or request a hearing must be made in writing to the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555, and include a statement of good cause for the extension. The answer may consent to this Order. Unless the answer consents to this Order, the answer shall, in writing and under oath or affirmation, specifically set forth the matters of fact and law on which the Applicant or other person adversely affected relies, and the reasons as to why the Order should not have been issued. Any answer or request for a hearing shall be submitted to the Secretary, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff, Washington, DC 20555. Copies also shall be sent to the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555; to the Assistant General Counsel for Materials Litigation and Enforcement, at the same address; and to the Applicant, if the answer or hearing request is by a person other than the Applicant. Because of possible delays in delivery of mail to United States Government offices, it is requested that answers and requests for hearing be transmitted to the Secretary of the Commission, either by means of facsimile transmission, to 301-415-1101, or by e-mail, to ; and also to the Office of the General Counsel, either by means of facsimile transmission, to 301-415- 3725, or by e-mail, to . If a person other than the Applicant requests a hearing, that person shall set forth with particularity the manner in which their interest is adversely affected by this Order and shall address the criteria set forth in 10 CFR 2.309. If a hearing is requested by the Applicant or a person whose interest is adversely affected, the Commission will issue an Order designating the time and place of any hearing. If a hearing is held, the issue to be considered at such hearing shall be whether this Order should be sustained. Pursuant to 10 CFR 2.202(c)(2)(i), the Applicant may, in addition to demanding a hearing, at the time the answer is filed or sooner, move the presiding officer to set aside the immediate effectiveness of the Order on the grounds that the Order, including the need for immediate effectiveness, is not based on adequate evidence, but on mere suspicion, unfounded allegations, or error. In the absence of any request for hearing, or written approval of an extension of time in which to request a hearing, the provisions specified in Section III above shall be final twenty (20) days from the date of this Order, without further order or proceedings. If an extension of time for requesting a hearing has been approved, the provisions specified in Section III shall be final when the extension expires, if a hearing request has not been received. An answer or a request for hearing shall not stay the immediate effectiveness of this order. Dated this 4th day of October 2006. For The Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Jack R. Strosnider, Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. Attachment A--Modified Handling Requirements for the Protection of Certain Safeguards Information (SGI-M) General Requirement Information and material that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) determines are safeguards information must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. In order to distinguish information needing modified protection requirements from the safeguards information for reactors and fuel cycle facilities that require a higher level of protection, the term ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling'' (SGI-M) is being used as the distinguishing marking for certain materials licensees. Each person who produces, receives, or acquires SGI-M shall ensure that it is protected against unauthorized disclosure. To meet this requirement, applicants, licensees, and persons shall establish and maintain an information protection system that includes the measures specified below. Information protection procedures employed by State and local police forces are deemed to meet these requirements. Persons Subject to These Requirements Any person, whether or not an applicant or licensee of the NRC, who produces, receives, or acquires SGI-M is subject to the requirements (and sanctions) of this document. Firms and their employees that supply services or equipment to materials licensees fall under this requirement if they possess SGI-M. An applicant or licensee must inform contractors and suppliers of the existence of these requirements and the need for proper protection. (See more under Conditions for Access) State or local police units who have access to SGI-M are also subject to these requirements. However, these organizations are deemed to have adequate information protection systems. The conditions for transfer of information to a third party, i.e., need-to-know, would still apply to the police organization as would sanctions for unlawful disclosure. Again, it would be prudent for applicants and licensees who have arrangements with local police to advise them of the existence of SGI-M requirements. Criminal and Civil Sanctions The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, explicitly provides that any person, ``whether or not a licensee of the [[Page 62133]] Commission, who violates any regulations adopted under this section shall be subject to the civil monetary penalties of section 234 of this Act.'' Furthermore, willful violation of any regulation or order governing safeguards information is a felony subject to criminal penalties in the form of fines or imprisonment, or both. See sections 147b. and 223 of the Act. Conditions for Access Access to SGI-M beyond the initial recipients of the order will be governed by the background check requirements imposed by the order. Access to SGI-M by applicant or licensee employees, agents, or contractors must include both an appropriate need-to-know determination by the applicant or licensee, as well as a determination concerning the trustworthiness of individuals having access to the information. Employees of an organization affiliated with the applicant's or licensee's company, e.g., a parent company, may be considered as employees of the applicant or licensee for access purposes. Need-To-Know Need-to-know is defined as a determination by a person having responsibility for protecting SGI-M that a proposed recipient's access to SGI-M is necessary in the performance of official, contractual, or applicant or licensee duties of employment. The recipient must be made aware that the information is SGI-M and those having access to it are subject to these requirements as well as criminal and civil sanctions for mishandling the information. Occupational Groups Dissemination of SGI-M is limited to individuals who have an established need-to-know and who are members of certain occupational groups. These occupational groups are: 1. An employee, agent, or contractor of an applicant, a licensee, the Commission, or the United States Government; 2. A member of a duly authorized committee of the Congress; 3. The Governor of a State or his designated representative; 4. A representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) engaged in activities associated with the U.S./IAEA Safeguards Agreement who has been certified by the NRC; 5. A member of a state or local law enforcement authority that is responsible for responding to requests for assistance during safeguards emergencies; 6. A person to whom disclosure is ordered pursuant to Section 2.744(e) of Part 2 of part 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations; or 7. State Radiation Control Program Directors (and State Homeland Security Directors) or their designees. In a generic sense, the individuals described above in (A) through (G) are considered to be trustworthy by virtue of their employment status. For non-governmental individuals in group (A) above, a determination of reliability and trustworthiness is required. Discretion must be exercised in granting access to the individuals in group (A). If there is any indication that the recipient would be unwilling or unable to provide proper protection for the SGI-M, they are not authorized to receive SGI-M. Information Considered for Safeguards Information Designation Information deemed SGI-M is information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to have a significant adverse effect on the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security by significantly increasing the likelihood of theft, diversion, or sabotage of materials or facilities subject to NRC jurisdiction. SGI-M identifies safeguards information which is subject to these requirements. These requirements are necessary in order to protect quantities of nuclear material significant to the health and safety of the public or common defense and security. The overall measure for consideration of SGI-M is the usefulness of the information (security or otherwise) to an adversary in planning or attempting a malevolent act. The specificity of the information increases the likelihood that it will be useful to an adversary. Protection While in Use While in use, SGI-M shall be under the control of an authorized individual. This requirement is satisfied if the SGI-M is attended by an authorized individual even though the information is in fact not constantly being used. SGI-M, therefore, within alarm stations, continuously manned guard posts or ready rooms need not be locked in file drawers or storage containers. Under certain conditions the general control exercised over security zones or areas would be considered to meet this requirement. The primary consideration is limiting access to those who have a need- to-know. Some examples would be: Alarm stations, guard posts and guard ready rooms; Engineering or drafting areas if visitors are escorted and information is not clearly visible; Plant maintenance areas if access is restricted and information is not clearly visible; Administrative offices (e.g., central records or purchasing) if visitors are escorted and information is not clearly visible. Protection While in Storage While unattended, SGI-M shall be stored in a locked file drawer or container. Knowledge of lock combinations or access to keys protecting SGI-M shall be limited to a minimum number of personnel for operating purposes who have a ``need-to-know'' and are otherwise authorized access to SGI-M in accordance with these requirements. Access to lock combinations or keys shall be strictly controlled so as to prevent disclosure to an unauthorized individual. Transportation of Documents and Other Matter Documents containing SGI-M when transmitted outside an authorized place of use or storage shall be enclosed in two sealed envelopes or wrappers. The inner envelope or wrapper shall contain the name and address of the intended recipient, and be marked both sides, top and bottom with the words ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling.'' The outer envelope or wrapper must be addressed to the intended recipient, must contain the address of the sender, and must not bear any markings or indication that the document contains SGI-M. SGI-M may be transported by any commercial delivery company that provides nationwide overnight service with computer tracking features, U.S. first class, registered, express, or certified mail, or by any individual authorized access pursuant to these requirements. Within a facility, SGI-M may be transmitted using a single opaque envelope. It may also be transmitted within a facility without single or double wrapping, provided adequate measures are taken to protect the material against unauthorized disclosure. Individuals transporting SGI- M should retain the documents in their personal possession at all times or ensure that the information is appropriately wrapped and also secured to preclude compromise by an unauthorized individual. Preparation and Marking of Documents While the NRC is the sole authority for determining what specific [[Page 62134]] information may be designated as ``SGI-M,'' originators of documents are responsible for determining whether those documents contain such information. Each document or other matter that contains SGI-M shall be marked ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling'' in a conspicuous manner on the top and bottom of the first page to indicate the presence of protected information. The first page of the document must also contain (i) The name, title, and organization of the individual authorized to make a SGI-M determination, and who has determined that the document contains SGI-M, (ii) the date the document was originated or the determination made, (iii) an indication that the document contains SGI-M, and (iv) an indication that unauthorized disclosure would be subject to civil and criminal sanctions. Each additional page shall be marked in a conspicuous fashion at the top and bottom with letters denoting ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling.'' In additional to the ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling'' markings at the top and bottom of page, transmittal letters or memoranda which do not in themselves contain SGI-M shall be marked to indicate that attachments or enclosures contain SGI-M but that the transmittal does not (e.g., ``When separated from SGI-M enclosure(s), this document is decontrolled''). In addition to the information required on the face of the document, each item of correspondence that contains SGI-M shall, by marking or other means, clearly indicate which portions (e.g., paragraphs, pages, or appendices) contain SGI-M and which do not. Portion marking is not required for physical security and safeguards contingency plans. All documents or other matter containing SGI-M in use or storage shall be marked in accordance with these requirements. A specific exception is provided for documents in the possession of contractors and agents of applicants or licensees that were produced more than one year prior to the effective date of the order. Such documents need not be marked unless they are removed from file drawers or containers. The same exception applies to old documents stored away from the facility in central files or corporation headquarters. Since information protection procedures employed by State and local police forces are deemed to meet NRC requirements, documents in the possession of these agencies need not be marked as set forth in this document. Removal from SGI-M Category Documents containing SGI-M shall be removed from the SGI-M category (decontrolled) only after the NRC determines that the information no longer meets the criteria of SGI-M. Applicants and licensees have the authority to make determinations that specific documents which they created no longer contain SGI-M information and may be decontrolled. Consideration must be exercised to ensure that any document decontrolled shall not disclose SGI-M in some other form or be combined with other unprotected information to disclose SGI-M. The authority to determine that a document may be decontrolled may be exercised only by, or with the permission of, the individual (or office) who made the original determination. The document shall indicate the name and organization of the individual removing the document from the SGI-M category and the date of the removal. Other persons who have the document in their possession should be notified of the decontrolling of the document. Reproduction of Matter Containing SGI-M SGI-M may be reproduced to the minimum extent necessary consistent with need without permission of the originator. Newer digital copiers which scan and retain images of documents represent a potential security concern. If the copier is retaining any information in memory, the copier cannot be connected to a network. It should also be placed in a location that is cleared and controlled for the authorized processing of SGI-M information. Different copiers have different capabilities, including some which come with features that allow the memory to be erased. Each copier would have to be examined from a physical security perspective. Use of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Systems SGI-M may be processed or produced on an ADP system provided that the system is assigned to the applicant's, licensee's, or contractor's facility and requires the use of an entry code/password for access to stored information. Applicants or licensees must process this information in a computing environment that has adequate computer security controls in place to prevent unauthorized access to the information. An ADP system is defined here as a data processing system having the capability of long term storage of information. Word processors such as typewriters are not subject to the requirements as long as they do not transmit information off-site. (Note: if SGI-M is produced on a typewriter, the ribbon must be removed and stored in the same manner as other SGI-M information or media.) The basic objective of these restrictions is to prevent access and retrieval of stored SGI- M by unauthorized individuals, particularly from remote terminals. Specific files containing SGI-M will be password protected to preclude access by an unauthorized individual. SGI-M files may be transmitted over a network if the file is encrypted. In such cases, the applicant or licensee will select a commercially available encryption system that National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has validated as conforming to Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). SGI-M files shall be properly labeled as ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling'' and saved to removable media and stored in a locked file drawer or cabinet. The NIST maintains a listing of all validated encryption systems at . Telecommunications SGI-M may not be transmitted by unprotected telecommunications circuits except under emergency or extraordinary conditions. For the purpose of this requirement, emergency or extraordinary conditions are defined as any circumstances that require immediate communications in order to report, summon assistance for, or respond to a security event (or an event that has potential security significance). This restriction applies to telephone, telegraph, teletype, facsimile circuits, and to radio. Routine telephone or radio transmission between site security personnel, or between the site and local police, should be limited to message formats or codes that do not disclose facility security features or response procedures. Similarly, call-ins during transport should not disclose information useful to a potential adversary. Infrequent or non-repetitive telephone conversations regarding a physical security plan or program are permitted provided that the discussion is general in nature. Individuals should use care when discussing SGI-M at meetings or in the presence of others to ensure that the conversation is not overheard by persons not authorized access. Transcripts, tapes or minutes of meetings or hearings that contain SGI-M shall be marked and protected in accordance with these requirements. [[Page 62135]] Destruction Documents containing SGI-M must be destroyed when no longer needed. They may be destroyed by tearing into small pieces, burning, shredding or any other method that precludes reconstruction by means available to the public at large. Piece sizes one half inch or smaller composed of several pages or documents and thoroughly mixed are considered completely destroyed. Attachment B--Trustworthiness and Reliability Requirements for Individuals Handling Safeguards Information Applicants or licensees shall document the basis for concluding that there is reasonable assurance that individuals granted access to safeguards information are trustworthy and reliable, and do not constitute an unreasonable risk for malevolent use of the regulated material. The trustworthiness, reliability, and verification of an individual's true identity shall be determined based on a background investigation. The background investigation shall address at least the past three (3) years, and, as a minimum, include a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting and criminal history check, verification of employment history, education, employment eligibility, credit check, and personal references. If an individual's employment has been less than the required three (3) year period, educational references may be used in lieu of employment history. The applicant's or licensee's background investigation requirements may be satisfied for an individual that has an active Federal security clearance. Attachment C--Requirements for Fingerprinting and Criminal History Checks of Individuals When Applicant's or Licensee's Reviewing Official is Determining Access to Safeguards Information General Requirements Applicants and licensees shall comply with the requirements of this attachment. 1. a. Each applicant or licensee subject to the provisions of this attachment shall fingerprint each individual who is seeking or permitted access to Safeguards Information (SGI). The Applicant or Licensee shall review and use the information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and ensure that the provisions contained in the subject Order and this attachment are satisfied. b. The Applicant or Licensee shall notify each affected individual that the fingerprints will be used to secure a review of his/her criminal history record and inform the individual of the procedures for revising the record or including an explanation in the record, as specified in the ``Right to Correct and Complete Information'' section of this attachment. c. Fingerprints need not be taken if an employed individual (e.g., an applicant or licensee employee, contractor, manufacturer, or supplier) is relieved from the fingerprinting requirement by 10 CFR 73.59, has a favorably-decided U.S. Government criminal history check within the last five (5) years, or has an active Federal security clearance. Written confirmation from the Agency/employer which granted the Federal security clearance or reviewed the criminal history check must be provided. The Applicant or Licensee must retain this documentation for a period of three (3) years from the date the individual no longer requires access to SGI associated with the Applicant's or Licensee's activities. d. All fingerprints obtained by the Applicant or Licensee pursuant to this Order must be submitted to the Commission for transmission to the FBI. e. The Applicant or Licensee shall review the information received from the FBI and consider it, in conjunction with the trustworthy and reliability requirements, in making a determination whether to grant access to Safeguards Information to individuals who have a need-to-know the SGI. f. The Applicant or Licensee shall use any information obtained as part of a criminal history records check solely for the purpose of determining an individual's suitability for access to Safeguards Information. g. The Applicant or Licensee shall document the basis for its determination whether to grant access to SGI. 2. The Applicant or Licensee shall notify the NRC of any desired change in reviewing officials. The NRC will determine whether the individual nominated as the new reviewing official may have access to Safeguards Information based on a previously-obtained or new criminal history check and, therefore, will be permitted to serve as the Applicant's or Licensee's reviewing official. Prohibitions The Applicant or Licensee shall not base a final determination to deny an individual access to Safeguards Information solely on the basis of information received from the FBI involving: an arrest more than one (1) year old for which there is no information of the disposition of the case, or an arrest that resulted in dismissal of the charge or an acquittal. The Applicant or Licensee shall not use information received from a criminal history check obtained pursuant to this Order in a manner that would infringe upon the rights of any individual under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, nor shall the Applicant or Licensee use the information in any way which would discriminate among individuals on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, or age. Procedures for Processing Fingerprint Checks For the purpose of complying with this Order, the Applicant or Licensee shall, using an appropriate method listed in 10 CFR 73.4, submit to the NRC's Division of Facilities and Security, Mail Stop T- 6E46, one completed, legible standard fingerprint card (Form FD-258, ORIMDNRCOOOZ) or, where practicable, other fingerprint records for each individual seeking access to Safeguards Information, to the Director of the Division of Facilities and Security, marked for the attention of the Division's Criminal History Check Section. Copies of these forms may be obtained by writing the Office of Information Services, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, by calling (301) 415-5877, or by e-mail to . Practicable alternative formats are set forth in 10 CFR 73.4. The Applicant or Licensee shall establish procedures to ensure that the quality of the fingerprints taken results in minimizing the rejection rate of fingerprint cards due to illegible or incomplete cards. The NRC will review submitted fingerprint cards for completeness. Any Form FD-258 fingerprint record containing omissions or evident errors will be returned to the Applicant for corrections. The fee for processing fingerprint checks includes one re-submission if the initial submission is returned by the FBI because the fingerprint impressions cannot be classified. The one free re-submission must have the FBI Transaction Control Number reflected on the re-submission. If additional submissions are necessary, they will be treated as initial submittals and will require a second payment of the processing fee. Fees for processing fingerprint checks are due upon application. Applicants or licensees shall submit payment with the application for processing fingerprints by corporate check, certified check, cashier's check, money order, or electronic payment, made payable to ``U.S. NRC.'' [For guidance on making [[Page 62136]] electronic payments, contact the Facilities Security Branch, Division of Facilities and Security, at (301) 415-7739]. Combined payment for multiple applications is acceptable. The application fee (currently $27) is the sum of the user fee charged by the FBI for each fingerprint card or other fingerprint record submitted by the NRC on behalf of the Applicant or Licensee, and an NRC processing fee, which covers administrative costs associated with NRC handling of Applicant or Licensee fingerprint submissions. The Commission will directly notify applicants or licensees who are subject to this regulation of any fee changes. The Commission will forward to the submitting Applicant or Licensee all data received from the FBI as a result of the Applicant's or Licensee's application(s) for criminal history checks, including the FBI fingerprint record. Right To Correct and Complete Information Prior to any final adverse determination, the Applicant or Licensee shall make available to the individual the contents of any criminal records obtained from the FBI for the purpose of assuring correct and complete information. Written confirmation by the individual of receipt of this notification must be maintained by the Applicant or Licensee for a period of one (1) year from the date of the notification. If, after reviewing the record, an individual believes that it is incorrect or incomplete in any respect and wishes to change, correct, or update the alleged deficiency, or to explain any matter in the record, the individual may initiate challenge procedures. These procedures include either direct application by the individual challenging the record to the agency (i.e., law enforcement agency) that contributed the questioned information, or direct challenge as to the accuracy or completeness of any entry on the criminal history record to the Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Identification Division, Washington, DC 20537-9700 (as set forth in 28 CFR 16.30 through 16.34). In the latter case, the FBI forwards the challenge to the agency that submitted the data and requests that agency to verify or correct the challenged entry. Upon receipt of an official communication directly from the agency that contributed the original information, the FBI Identification Division makes any changes necessary in accordance with the information supplied by that agency. The Applicant or Licensee must provide at least ten (10) days for an individual to initiate an action challenging the results of an FBI criminal history records check after the record is made available for his/her review. The Applicant or Licensee may make a final SGI access determination based upon the criminal history record only upon receipt of the FBI's ultimate confirmation or correction of the record. Upon a final adverse determination on access to SGI, the Applicant or Licensee shall provide the individual its documented basis for denial. Access to SGI shall not be granted to an individual during the review process. Protection of Information 1. Each Applicant or Licensee who obtains a criminal history record on an individual pursuant to this Order shall establish and maintain a system of files and procedures for protecting the record and the personal information from unauthorized disclosure. 2. The Applicant or Licensee may not disclose the record or personal information collected and maintained to persons other than the subject individual, his/her representative, or to those who have a need to access the information in performing assigned duties in the process of determining access to Safeguards Information. No individual authorized to have access to the information may re-disseminate the information to any other individual who does not have a need-to-know. 3. The personal information obtained on an individual from a criminal history record check may be transferred to another Applicant or Licensee if the Applicant or Licensee holding the criminal history check record receives the individuals' written request to re- disseminate the information contained in his/her file, and the gaining Applicant or Licensee verifies information such as the individual's name, date of birth, social security number, sex, and other applicable physical characteristics for identification purposes. 4. The Applicant or Licensee shall make criminal history records, obtained under this section, available for examination by an authorized representative of the NRC to determine compliance with the regulations and laws. 5. The Applicant or Licensee shall retain all fingerprint and criminal history records received from the FBI, or a copy if the individual's file has been transferred, for three (3) years after termination of employment or denial of access to SGI. After the required three (3) year period, these documents shall be destroyed by a method that will prevent reconstruction of the information in whole or in part. [FR Doc. E6-17726 Filed 10-20-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P ***************************************************************** 52 Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation: Hearings into nuclear waste News for Monday, October 23rd, 2006 Written by Shannon Snoes It will be a long day for some at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine. That's where the hearing into Ontario Power Generations plans for a repository on the Bruce Nuclear Site in Tiverton will be held. The plan calls for it to house low and intermediate levels of radio active waste. For the past few months, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been looking at revised scoping documents and interventions. Today, oral presentations will be made. Spokesperson for the CNSC Pasquale Bourassa says there are 21 presentations to be made today. They will hear from from individuals in the community, various businesses, municipal government and non governmental agencies. She says interventions vary from those AGAINST the project to those in support to those who are looking for more information with specific concerns. Bourassa says each group will have ten minutes to talk and could be peppered with more questions. The oral presentations by these interveners however are followed by a presentation from OPG and the project itself, and CNSC staff. The hearing begins at 8:30 this morning and is open to the public. Bayshore Broadcastingfamily of radio stations Mix 106| 560 CFOS| Country 93| 98 the Beach| Bayshore Broadcasting © 2006 Bayshore Broadcasting Corp. All Rights Reserved. ***************************************************************** 53 NewsRoom Finland: Areva to apply for further Finnish uranium prospecting rights 23.10.2006 at 16:39 Osmo Kaipainen, the chief executive of French nuclear power group Areva's Finnish operations, told the Finnish News Agency (STT) on Monday the company had applied for uranium prospecting rights pertaining to a further 10 square kilometres in Kolari in Finnish Lapland. Should the Finnish trade and industry ministry grant a permit, Areva would have the sole right to look for uranium in the area. In the summer, Areva submitted an application on a 16-square-kilometre area in Kolari. Northland Exploration Finland has also shown interest in the same area, but it has applied for rights to look for gold, copper and iron, the ministry said. A fortnight ago, Areva gained prospecting rights in Eno and Kontiolahti in eastern Finland and announced it was applying for rights in Nummi-Pusula and Somero, places a short drive from Helsinki. But the ministry's decisions on Eno and Kontiolahti can be appealed at the Supreme Administrative Court. Even preliminary uranium probing has met with widespread resistance among locals, particularly in Uusimaa, the province where Nummi-Pusula and Somero are located. A consortium comprising Areva, which is controlled by the French state, and Germany's Siemens is currently building a nuclear power station in Finland. /STT/ © Copyright STT 2006 ***************************************************************** 54 Pahrump Valley Times: 'Mina' route hearings are set dmcmurdo@pvtimes.com. Oct. 20, 2006 By MARK WAITE PVT The U.S. Department of Energy will hold a series of public meetings on the supplemental Yucca Mountain rail corridor plan, to consider the Mina route, an alternative plan hailed by area officials as more feasible than the initial Caliente route. The Mina route would extend the rail line that ends just south of Hawthorne south through the western part of Nevada to Yucca Mountain. It would be shorter, at 280 miles, than the 318 to 344 miles of the Caliente corridor. The Mina route would also use existing rail beds and cross fewer mountain ranges, the DOE concluded. The department reconsidered the Mina route last spring after the Walker River Paiute tribe withdrew its objections to studying the transport of nuclear waste across the reservation. The Mina corridor route would follow the same route as the Caliente corridor south of Lida Junction in Esmeralda County. Public hearings are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the LongStreet Hotel and Casino in Amargosa Valley, the Goldfield School gymnasium from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 13, and at the Hawthorne Convention Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 14. "I am so happy about this. It will be the least disruptive and least expensive," said Nye County District I Commissioner Roberta "Midge" Carver recently. Carver said the Caliente route would involve traversing three mountain ranges and cutting into solid rock. If the Caliente corridor were constructed, Carver said, "Everywhere they would be going, they would be going through a rancher's water." Carver said DOE officials lied to Nye County residents when they said the land withdrawal for the Caliente route would be only 360,000 acres. In adding up the squares for the land maps showing the land withdrawal, it amounts to 609,000 acres, she said. Allen Benson, director of the office of institutional affairs for the Yucca Mountain Project, said previously that the corridor wouldn't include all 640 acres in each section. One rancher who would likely breathe a sigh of relief if the Mina route is chosen is Joe Fallini. The Caliente route would cut right through his 663,000 acres of grazing allotments around Warm Springs. He normally grazes about 2,000 head of cattle but said the numbers were down this year due to the drought. "The way they (DOE) always figure, we're the least amount of people. Let's put it here. Foreign countries reprocess that stuff," Fallini said in a recent interview. "The way they did it was wrong. If they want to run it through here, they should've talked to everybody that had property rights," he said. Fallini said the Caliente corridor would cut through access to 17 water sources. "I've always been in favor of something other than what they've chosen," Carver said. "The Hawthorne route is more viable, hundreds of miles of rail bed are still intact." Bill Kirby, Esmeralda County's liaison on nuclear waste, said the Mina route would travel through more of his county than the Caliente route. The rail line would be useful if the DOE would allow it to be used for other purposes than shipping nuclear waste, Kirby said, and if it could connect with existing track at the southern end instead of running one-way. "The sad thing is, you can't roast the hog until you catch him. We're still supporting the Caliente corridor at this time because that's a known quantity," Kirby said. Nye County District Two Commissioner Joni Eastley, from Tonopah, didn't hold out much hope the railroad would boost the economies of the small towns along the route. "Hawthorne has a rail yard, an airport, and they're still struggling," she said. "The Board of County Commissioners resolved twice to support the Caliente route. I voted with the board to support the Caliente route because it was the best of the options available to us, and the Mina route had never been part of the original (environmental impact statement)." She added, "If you're talking a strictly economic or fiscal aspect, I never agreed with the Caliente route because of the cost it would take to put it in. The reason I am such a proponent of the Mina proposal (is that) it gives the least amount of impact to mining and ranching in this part of the county." Jeff Taguchi, a former Nye County District II Commissioner, pushed the Mina route at a May 2004 open house in Amargosa Valley months after he stepped down from the commission. He also pushed for continuing the rail line south to the I-15 corridor. "We're talking about economic development. All rail ends at Yucca Mountain, which is Nye County. Any rail that dead-ends is not a good thing," said Nye County Commission Chairman Gary Hollis, the county commission's liaison on nuclear waste. "We've always been of the opinion that the rail should be used for dual purposes ... It's really not up to Nye County -- either route goes through Nye County," Hollis said. "It's something we don't have much control over." The supplemental Yucca Mountain rail EIS is due to be completed next year. While Nye County officials were encouraged by the possible change in the route, Hollis noted, "It's just too early to tell what DOE is going to do." For comment or questions, please e-mail webmaster@pahrumpvalleytimes.com Copyright © Pahrump Valley Times, 1997 - 2006 ***************************************************************** 55 Japan Times: Waves build against carrier Monday, Oct. 23, 2006 By KIROKU HANAI The mayor of the city of Yokosuka and the governor of Kanagawa Prefecture have expressed willingness to accept the deployment of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base, stirring optimism among central government officials that a controversial issue is about to be solved. But within the communities near Yokosuka, opposition to the home-porting proposal persists. Local officials fear that carrier-based warplanes could cause serious noise and safety problems and that the plan could lead to the expansion of U.S. military presence. A Yokosuka citizens' group campaigning against the proposal has moved to demand a referendum on the issue or a recall of the mayor. The situation is so fluid that the outcome of the home-porting proposal issue cannot be predicted. Ryoichi Kabaya, elected Yokosuka mayor last year after pledging to refuse the home-porting proposal, began to change his stance early this year. In June, he expressed readiness to accept the plan after holding two public hearings apparently for the sake of formality. In September, his municipal government published a newsletter to persuade citizens to accept deployment. The mayor contended that since the possibility of deploying a conventionally powered carrier had been ruled out, the city had no choice but to accept the home-porting of a nuclear-powered carrier. He pledged to ask the Japanese and U.S. governments to take measures that would alleviate citizens' safety concerns. In a fact sheet delivered to Tokyo in April, Kabaya noted that Washington provided detailed information about the structure and the safety system of the nuclear-powered carrier and reconfirmed the U.S. commitment to safety. However, a Yokosuka citizens' group criticized the U.S. Navy's claim that there were no safety problems with the nuclear-powered carrier. The group said the navy failed to provide essential information about the ship. According to the group, more than 70 percent of respondents in street polls have expressed opposition to the deployment, yet the mayor made a "political decision" to accept the deployment. Both the national government and the Yokosuka municipal government seem to have blindly accepted the U.S. government's position. The mayor apparently changed his stand without investigating the issue. Therefore, he cannot escape suspicion that his election pledge was a mere campaign tactic. In late September, an apparent radiation leakage was reported from the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine Honolulu in waters near Yokosuka, but the government failed to get to the bottom of what happened. In a preliminary report, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology said it found minuscule amounts of radioactive cobalt 58 and 60 in the submarine's wake after it left Yokosuka. After rechecking the waters later, the ministry failed to determine the cause of the radioactivity leakage. It gave up on making further checks, saying the radioactivity was unlikely to have come from troubles with the submarine's nuclear reactor, including its cooling system. The ministry did not ask the U.S. Navy to submit the submarine's log and reactor data, as the citizens' group had demanded. This reaction strikes a sharp contrast to practices in the nation's power industry, which carries out a thorough probe if minute amounts of radioactivity are detected inside, or in the vicinity of, a commercial power reactor. There is another problem: U.S. forces in Japan give notice to local authorities 24 hours in advance of nuclear-powered submarine visits. But at the request of the U.S. forces, local governments have not publicized the notices since the 9/11 attacks. Yokosuka, Kure (Hiroshima Prefecture) and two other municipalities have asked U.S. forces through the Foreign Ministry to withdraw the request, but in vain. To prevent unexpected accidents, the notice should be made public. Authorities in the cities of Yamato and Ayase, which host the U.S. Atsugi Naval Air Station, continue to oppose the home-porting of any type of U.S. aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, even though the city of Yokosuka accepted deployment of a conventionally powered aircraft carrier. The two cities are troubled by noise and safety problems caused by training flights of carrier-based aircraft. The two cities refuse to even consider deployment of a nuclear-powered carrier. Most local governments in the Shonan coastal area of Kanagawa Prefecture could be called peace-minded. In 1958, Kamakura declared itself a city of peace and is seeking the registration as a world heritage site because of its rich cultural assets. In 1992, the town of Hayama, which hosts an Imperial villa, declared itself a nuclear-free city of peace. In a policy speech earlier this year, Mayor Kazuyoshi Nagashima of the city of Zushi said he was gravely concerned about the deployment of a nuclear-powered carrier at Yokosuka for fear it might not only cause a major accident but also lead to a U.S. demand for more military housing in the city to accommodate the carrier's personnel and dependents. For the sake of Japan-U.S. friendship, the deployment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Yokosuka should not be imposed on local communities. The Yokosuka citizens' group opposing the deployment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will start a signature collection campaign next month calling for a city ordinance to authorize a referendum on the issue. Masahiko Goto, leader of the group, told me that both supporters and opponents of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty oppose the deployment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Yokosuka. If that's true, a "no" vote against the deployment in the referendum is possible. Some Japanese and U.S. government officials are reportedly fed up with the "nuclear allergies" of citizens. But this antipathy stems from the awakening caused by the pacifist Constitution -- a gift to the Japanese people from U.S. authorities after the end of World War II. The Japanese government should quietly watch the development of the referendum movement and respect the results if one is held. Kiroku Hanoi is a journalist and former editorial writer for the Tokyo Shimbun. The Japan Times (C) All rights reserved ***************************************************************** 56 AP Wire: Critics say SRS can't handle dangerous material 10/22/2006 | Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. - A plan to dump highly radioactive nuclear waste in a Savannah River Site burial ground is drawing criticism from activist groups, who worry that current waste storage is inadequate. "What's the hurry?" asked Leslie Minerd, who tracks nuclear issues for Environmentalists Inc., a Columbia activist group. "They should study this plan more thoroughly." The Energy Department wants to bury material that is about 20 times more radioactive than first proposed in the 1990s. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control regulates waste burial sites and has approved a preliminary permit to allow the dumping at the Saltstone Disposal Facility. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Aiken Municipal Building and the public has until Nov. 17 to comment on the permit before a final decision is made. One comment has already been heard and investigated. An anonymous letter postmarked from Augusta, Ga., to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said there were leaks at the SRS burial site. The Energy Department said there were cracks in the burial facility 18 years ago. But those have been fixed and a roof installed over the site to keep water out, said Ginger Dickert, liquid-waste operations manager for the site. "Is this a concern to the environment today or long-term? No," she said. "There is nothing leaking today." The site is checked weekly for signs of leaks or cracks, according to WSRC Inc., the government's chief contractor at the Savannah River Site. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control also said the leakage "presented no threat to public health or the environment." "Although we believe the concerns have been addressed through improved design and operational parameters, we will continue to evaluate this issue," the department said in a statement. The Savannah River Site lies above a water table that could be contaminated by leaks of atomic waste for thousands of years, said Geoff Fettus, a lawyer with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington. Long-term exposure to radioactive pollutants can cause health problems, including cancer. "You would think they would want a discussion about the leaks when they are about to put an astronomical amount of radioactivity in all these stone vaults," he said. ***************************************************************** 57 DOE: Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Nevada FR Doc E6-17700 [Federal Register: October 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 204)] [Notices] [Page 62099-62100] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23oc06-31] AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Nevada Test Site. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the Federal Register. DATES: Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 5 p.m. [[Page 62100]] ADDRESSES: 7710 West Cheyenne Avenue, Conference Room 130, Las Vegas, Nevada. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Snyder, Deputy Designated Federal Officer, P.O. Box 98518, Las Vegas, Nevada 89193. Phone: (702) 295-2836; E-mail: snyderk@nv.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Board: The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities. Tentative Agenda: Approval of recommendations for changes to four fact sheets used by the Department of Energy and committee updates. Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral presentations pertaining to agenda items should contact Kelly Snyder at the telephone number listed above. The request must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments. Minutes: The minutes of this meeting will be available for public review and copying at the U.S. Department of Energy's Freedom of Information Public Reading Room, 1E-190, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Minutes will also be available by writing to Kelly Snyder at the address listed above. Issued at Washington, DC, on October 18, 2006. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Advisory Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E6-17700 Filed 10-20-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P ***************************************************************** 58 DOE: Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridge FR Doc E6-17702 [Federal Register: October 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 204)] [Notices] [Page 62100] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23oc06-32] Reservation AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Oak Ridge Reservation. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the Federal Register. DATES: Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: DOE Information Center, 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Halsey, Federal Coordinator, Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box 2001, EM-90, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Phone (865) 576-4025; Fax (865) 576-5333 or e- mail: halseypj@oro.doe.gov or check the Web site at http://www.oakridge.doe.gov/em/ssab . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Board: The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities. Tentative Agenda: The presentation topic will be an Environmental Management Program Update. Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to the agenda item should contact Pat Halsey at the address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments. Minutes: Minutes of this meeting will be available for public review and copying at the Department of Energy's Information Center at 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by writing to Pat Halsey, Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box 2001, EM-90, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, or by calling her at (865) 576-4025. Issued at Washington, DC, on October 18, 2006. Rachel M. Samuel, Deputy Advisory Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E6-17702 Filed 10-20-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P ***************************************************************** 59 NewsBlaze: DOE's Rocky Flats Cleanup Site Named 2006 Project of the Year The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that the Project Management Institute (PMI) has awarded its 2006 Project of the Year to DOE's Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site. The award was presented to DOE contractor Kaiser-Hill, LLC during the PMI Global Congress Dinner 2006 on Saturday, October 21st, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. "It is a great honor for the Department of Energy's Rocky Flats safe cleanup and closure effort to be recognized with this prestigious award," James Rispoli, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management. "As the largest DOE nuclear weapons facility cleanup project completed to date, we are applying what we learned at Rocky Flats to more than a dozen other sites expected to safely close in the next three years." DOE and Kaiser-Hill successfully partnered in a 10-year effort to complete the largest, most complex environmental cleanup project in United States history and converted an environmental liability into a community asset, completing the project nearly fifty years and $30 billion below initial estimates. The majority of the 6,200-acre site will be transferred to the Interior Department in the coming years and will become a national wildlife refuge. DOE has closed five sites including Rocky Flats in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 and is on track to safely turnover an additional 12 between FY2007-FY2009. "Kaiser-Hill performed a first-class job for the government, and the public-private partnership between DOE and Kaiser-Hill paved the way for our success," DOE Rocky Flats Project Office Manager Frazer Lockhart said. "We faced countless challenges on this first-of-its-kind project and this award is a tribute our joint efforts." A key element in the successful project was a unique, incentive-driven contract between DOE and Kaiser-Hill that rewarded schedule and cost savings while maintaining outstanding safety and protection of human health and the environment. The Rocky Flats Closure Project was an enormous undertaking led by DOE contractor Kaiser-Hill that included the following accomplishments: + Removed more than 21 tons of weapons-useable nuclear materials + Decontaminated and demolished 800 structures, comprising more than 3 million square feet + Drained 30,000 liters of plutonium solutions + Dismantled and removed more than 1,450 contaminated production glove boxes and 700 tanks + Stabilized and packaged 100 tons of high-content plutonium residue + Performed environmental cleanup actions at 130 sites + Dispositioned millions of classified items and excess property + Safely shipped more than 600,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste - enough to fill a string of railcars 90 miles long The PMI Project of the Year is one of the world's most prestigious project management awards, which recognizes and honors the accomplishments of the winning project team for superior and exemplary project management. With nearly 220,000 members in more than 150 countries, PMI is the leading membership association for the project management profession. PMI is actively engaged in advocacy for the profession, setting professional standards, conducting research and providing access to a wealth of information and resources. Source: U.S. Department of Energy judythpiazza@gmail.com Copyright © 2006, NewsBlaze, Daily News DOE`s Rocky Flats Cleanup Site Named 2006 Project of the Year'> ***************************************************************** NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107 this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: *****************************************************************