Boris Nemtsov, leader of the Union of Right-Wing Forces (SPS) faction in the Duma, thinks that President Putin has "made a major political mistake" in signing today the draft laws allowing for the import of spent nuclear fuel into the country.

In an interview with journalists, Boris Nemtsov expressed his certainty that the "long-term consequences of such a decision will be disastrous for the country, and Russia will not get the promised $20 bln for the burial of the spent nuclear fuel.

Boris Nemtsov also expressed his certainty that the next president of the country will revoke these laws, and that the import of nuclear fuel will then be stopped.

Sergei Ivanenko, First Deputy head of the Yabloko faction in his turn told that Yabloko has not given up on the idea of conducting a referendum on the advisability of importing nuclear waste into Russia. "This topic has not been given up, and we will continue to collect signatures in favour of holding such a referendum, and I hope that our allies – the SPS, as well as public organisations – will join this action," said Sergei Ivanenko in his interview with journalists on Wednesday, July 11, 2001.

He also noted that it was a positive step that the President decided to create a special commission on control over the realisation of the [nuclear waste] laws adopted by the Duma. "I think that this is his reaction to the negative public attitude to the adoption of these laws," said Sergei Ivanenko.

He also stressed that of fundamental importance will be the powers of
this commission and whether it can in reality influence decisions adopted at the signing of the contracts. Yet, Sergei Ivanenko noted that "we have serious doubts" whether this commission will truly be able to influence the decisions taken, in particular, under the influence of the Atomic Ministry.

Sergei Ivanenko also thinks that this commission may turn out "to be only a screen behind which the Atomic Ministry will push its decisions through."

Based on Interfax reports.

See also:

Nuclear Waste Bill