Another, old article.
Diplomatic Correspondent As part of ongoing cooperation with Russia on nuclear power project, the government is set to sign several vital technical deals in the next few months that will ensure dumping of nuclear waste back to Russia.
“We are discussing a wide range of possible areas for cooperation, including site selection, design, construction and operation of nuclear power and research reactors, desalination plants and particle accelerators,” Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni said.
Bangladesh and Russia will sign several technical deals, which also includes the “export of Russian-origin used nuclear fuel,” implying the possible return to Russia for long-term management and permanent disposal.
Earlier, on May 21, the two countries signed a framework agreement on nuclear power plans to build a 1000 MW nuclear plant at Rooppur for about $2 billion, with the hope of having the plant operational in 2014.
Speaking at a press conference, the foreign minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit Moscow when a complete deal on nuclear cooperation will be signed.
Dipu Moni said Russian Atomic Energy Corporation “ROSATOM” chief Sergei Kiriyenko visited Dhaka last week and discussed with authorities concerned the areas for peaceful usage of nuclear energy.
She said the framework agreement also covers cooperation in the exploration and development of uranium and thorium deposits, the supply of nuclear fuel for power and research reactors, radioactive waste management, regulation, ensuring nuclear and radiation safety and security, and the physical protection of nuclear and radioactive materials.
Replying to a series of questions, Dipu Moni said Bangladesh and India will sign an interim agreement on Teesta water sharing soon and both the sides have exchanged drafts of the agreement.
In this context, she said a Bangladesh delegation led by the water resources secretary had talks in New Delhi on June 2-8 and hoped that both the countries would be able to reach an understanding soon.
Turning to Indian proposals for Sky Marshal in Indian aircraft and special security at Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the Foreign Minister said there is no legal or diplomatic bar to allowing Sky Marshal in Indian aircraft flying to Bangladesh or for internal security at the Indian High Commission.
She said, “the proposals are new to us and we are discussing issues like how much access will be given to the Indian Sky Marshal.” She said, as per the Vienna Convention, the host country looks after the outside security of a foreign mission and internal security is maintained by respective foreign mission.
In reply to another question of maritime boundary disputes with India and Myanmar, she said Bangladesh is making efforts to resolve those through bilateral talks.
“If bilateral negotiations fail then we will have the option of UN arbitration,” she added.
She also informed Bangladesh has already completed the seismic survey in the Bay of Bengal and work for date processing is going on to submit Bangladesh's claim on continental shelf to UN by July 11
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