Turkey mulling nuclear enrichment

[Steve Gardner]

So, it's okay for Turkey to build a uranium enrichment centre, but we're likely to go to war of Iran pursues a similar programme?

Source: Press TV

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:49:48

Turkey is preparing to issue a public tender for the construction of its first nuclear power plant and plans to build 2 nuclear reactors.

Turkey may consider building a uranium enrichment center as part of an ambitious plan to develop the country's nuclear potential, a national newspaper said on Tuesday.

"The initiative [to build a uranium enrichment center] is strategically important for the whole world and for Turkey's future," the Hurriyet newspaper said.

The issue may be on the agenda of a nuclear energy meeting in Istanbul on Friday. In addition to representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency, top-level officials from the United States, Russia, France and the UK are expected to attend the meeting.

With Washington's blessing, Turkey, a traditional US ally and a NATO member, might become one of the key suppliers of nuclear fuel for Muslim countries if they decide to build their own nuclear power plants, RIA Novosti says.

"If Turkey, as a NATO member, becomes an important regional center for uranium enrichment, it would be beneficial not only for the US, but also for the countries in the region, because they would be able to buy fuel for their future nuclear reactors from Turkey," Hurriyet said.

MSH/BGH