US 'to build Libyan nuclear plant'

[133724]

The US is to help Libya build its first-ever nuclear power plant according to the African nation's official news agency, Jana.

<snip>

The deal to be signed shortly with the US would include building a nuclear power plant, helping develop water desalination capacity, joint research and technical projects and training Libyan technicians in the US.

"The General People's Committee authorised on Sunday the General People's Committee for Liaison and International Cooperation to sign the agreement related to Libyan-American cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy," Jana said.

<snip>

Fears over finite oil and gas supplies and climate change have meant nuclear power is seen increasingly as a way of producing energy and cutting emissions of carbon dioxide.

Libya has proven oil reserves of 39 billion barrels, enough for 60 years at current production rates.

Its largely unexploited gas reserves are estimated at 53 trillion cubic feet.


http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/252069C5-3B11-4F66-975B-776DEEEAED82.htm

So we are invading Libya after Iran?????

[Psephos]

1. This is smart

The alternative is that they shop in Russia, France, or even China.

Qaddafi has needed to have something to show for his comparatively conciliatory stance on terrorism and subterfuge over the past few years. This will be a plum for him and for Libya as well. The deal makes Qaddafi look powerful to his own people and more prestigious to other Arab states (not that they'll admit it).

Ok, color me officially amazed that one instance of actual competency in foreign affairs has somehow arisen in 2007. I won't, however, be holding my breath for the next example.

Peace.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. there has to be a catch

do they have to privatize their economy for this or something? Doesn't Libya still have a substantial "command economy" and if so, why is Bush not demanding it be destroyed?

[Gloria]

4. Yes. Just read an article the other day that Libya cut a huge number

of government workers. Looks like they're well on the way to being IMF'd

[BearSquirrel2]

3. The Bush admin had a choice ...

The Bush administration had a choice to reconcile with either Iran, Cuba or Libya. Then someone pointed out that of the three, Libya was the only state to sponsor the deaths of Americans via terrorism. Then the choice became clear!!!!