U.S., Bahrain to cooperate on civil nuclear power

[jpak]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2428532420080325

WASHINGTON, March 24 (Reuters) - The United States and Bahrain agreed on Monday to cooperate on civil nuclear power in a deal the State Department held out as model for nations to meet their energy needs, cut their greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the spread of sensitive atomic technology.

Bahrain, which exports oil and gas and hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, said it would not seek sensitive nuclear fuel cycle technologies and would buy fuel on the international market.

Both steps reduce the possibility of Bahrain obtaining the technology to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons.

"This stands in direct contrast to Iran's nuclear activities," the State Department said in a statement announcing the agreement signed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa.

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