Peaceful Nuclear Rights

Aziz: Stop discrimination in N-rights
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:17:46
The Economic Times

Pakistan's PM says all countries have the right to access nuclear technology.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says all of the world countries should exercise equal rights to peaceful nuclear technology.

In an apparent reference to a nuclear pact between India and the US, Shaukat Aziz said there should be no discrimination in developing nuclear technology.

Under the pact, New Delhi will get access to US nuclear technology, despite the fact that it is not an NPT signatory state. The US has repeatedly ruled out a similar nuclear deal with Pakistan.

Pakistan's Prime Minister reiterated that his country is duty-bound to meet its energy needs through all available means including nuclear technology and revealed that the construction of more nuclear reactors is underway in Pakistan.

He said all countries have the right to develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, under appropriate safeguards.

Thailand to build first N-plant
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:58:47
The Times of India

Energy-hungry Thailand is planning to construct its first nuclear power plant.

Thailand is to build its first nuclear power plant over the next decade in a bid to cope with a looming power shortage, a top official said.

"The construction of the first nuclear power plant will take between 10 to 15 years and we are seeking 200 nuclear experts to help us," Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said.

Thailand's largest energy company will invest six billion dollars in the project, which is expected to be operational in 2020.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has said the planned nuclear facility would produce 4,000 megawatts of electricity.

Thailand heavily relies on natural gas for electricity production with 70 percent of the electricity needs being met from natural gas. The rest is coming from oil, coal and hydropower.

One third of the natural gas consumed in Thailand is imported, mainly from neighboring Myanmar, and EGAT sees nuclear power as a stable energy source due to worries over a future hike in natural gas and oil prices.