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The ongoing war over the amendments to the current nuclear energy
legislation that would permit the import of spent nuclear fuel
into Russia entered another phase yesterday. Yabloko leader Grigory
Yavlinsky and Nuclear Energy Minister Alexander Rumyantsev answered
questions posed by pedestrians on Novy Arbat Street.
According to Yavlinsky, "Yabloko believes that nothing highly
radioactive should be imported into Russia" , as "the
waste will remain here forever and the money will evaporate".
Rumyantsev reiterated that all financial operations would be outlined
in the law "On the Budget" and that parliamentary deputies
would monitor the process. Yavlinsky replied that the deputies
did not control anything in the draft budget during discussions.
Rumyantsev said that he did not understand what Yavlinsky was
talking about. "I myself will tear the project up if I cannot
see how the money will be spent", he said. The lower house
of parliament is scheduled to discuss the draft amendments this
Wednesday. According to Rumyantsev, only two options are possible:
either the import of spent nuclear fuel will be authorized or
the issue will be shelved for five months. Yabloko suggests holding
a referendum in the interim. Yavlinsky noted: “ It is not fair
that 500 people will approve for an import, which is opposed by
100
million people.”
See also:
Nuclear
waste bill section of the web-site
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