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How can we explain Putin's initiative in the matter of spent
nuclear fuel? It may be Putin's way of shifting responsibility
to Alferov (Ed.Nobel prize winner, member of the CPRF faction
and head of the Duma committee on the import of nuclear waste),
an ardent advocate of Russia's participation in spent nuclear
fuel reprocessing. The scientist is quite sure that the new law
will "help Russia retain and develop its nuclear energy sector
and other high-tech industries." From now on, Alferov himself
will be responsible forevery deadly container of spent nuclear
fuel that enters Russia. And if anything should happen - which
God forbid - it will be Alferov's head that rolls. The president
will not be involved.
It is also possible that Putin wants to take away the initiative
from the Nuclear Energy Ministry in signing contracts. In this
way, Putin will save the Nuclear Energy Ministry from the temptation
to open a "second front" of spent nuclear fuel imports
and redirect revenues into Swiss bank accounts (a prospect environmentalists
and journalists do not rule out). The Kremlin's wish to influence
thec hoice of clients may be attributed to the fact that reprocessing
spent nuclear fuel is both an economic and political issue. This
represents Putin's chance to boost his political influence in
various parts of the world, primarily in the CIS.
A special commission will be set up by the end of this month.
It will include five representatives of the president, five representatives
of the Federation Council, five representatives of the Duma, and
five representatives of the Cabinet.
Regarding the laws, they specify the conditions for spent nuclear
fuel imports: 75% of the profits are to be used for special environmental
programmes (rehabilitation of contaminated territories). The remaining
25% will go to the regions where reprocessing facilities are located.
It is reasonable to expect regional leaders to start fighting
each other for the privilege of accepting the deadly consignments.
Probably suspecting foul play (plans to pass these laws), some
environmentalist groups started preparing for a nationwide referendum
last year, and even gathered 2 million signatures in favour. It
was discovered that a large number of the signatures had been
forged, so the referendum was never held. The Union of Right-Wing
Forces and Yabloko have announced their intention to collect signatures
all over again. However, the prospect of a referendum is remote.
The Kremlin has too much influence over the leaders of Duma factions.
See also:
Nuclear
waste bill section of the web-site
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