Report says Burma is taking steps toward nuclear weapons program

[babylonsister]

Report says Burma is taking steps toward nuclear weapons program

By Joby Warrick
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 4, 2010


Burma has begun secretly acquiring key components for a nuclear weapons program, including specialized equipment used to make uranium metal for nuclear bombs, according to a report that cites documents and photos from a Burmese army officer who recently fled the country.

The smuggled evidence shows Burma's military rulers taking concrete steps toward obtaining atomic weapons, according to an analysis co-written by an independent nuclear expert. But it also points to enormous gaps in Burmese technical know-how and suggests that the country is many years from developing an actual bomb.

The analysis, commissioned by the dissident group Democratic Voice of Burma, concludes with "high confidence" that Burma is seeking nuclear technology, and adds: "This technology is only for nuclear weapons and not for civilian use or nuclear power."

"The intent is clear, and that is a very disturbing matter for international agreements," said the report, co-authored by Robert E. Kelley, a retired senior U.N. nuclear inspector. Officials for the dissident group provided copies of the analysis to the broadcaster al-Jazeera, The Washington Post and a few other news outlets.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060304859.html

[pampango]

1. US senator cancels Burma stop on N Korea nuclear fears

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10223847.stm

US Senator Jim Webb has cancelled a visit to Burma because of concern the government might be working with North Korea to develop a nuclear programme.

Citing reports containing "new allegations" of possible co-operation, Mr Webb said it would be "unwise" for him to visit Burma for now. It was not immediately clear which reports Mr Webb was referring to.

"Until there is further clarification on these matters, I believe it would be unwise and potentially counter-productive for me to visit Burma," he said.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Kurt Campbell warned Burma last month to abide by UN sanctions that prohibit buying arms from North Korea. Some analysts suspect these deals include nuclear technology.