Australia announced on September 18 that it could abstain from the ratification of a deal for the supply of nuclear fuel to Russia over fears that Moscow may refuse to honor commitments under the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. The announcement came after the Australian parliament's international treaties committee had recommended that the government abstain from the ratification of the deal.
"Australia assured us that measures would be taken for a successful ratification," Lavrov said after talks between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
In September 2007, the Russian nuclear power chief, Sergei Kiriyenko, and the then Australian foreign minister, Alexander Downer, signed in Sydney a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement. Australia, the global leader in uranium production, agreed to supply fuel to Russia for conversion and use in its nuclear reactors.
The deal enables nuclear companies in both countries to sign direct contracts. A possibility is also envisaged for companies in third countries to place orders with Russia for the handling of Australian uranium, including conversion, enrichment and the production of fuel for nuclear power plants.
A previous bilateral agreement signed in 1990 allowed Russia to process Australian uranium, but only for third countries.
Australia has around half of the global uranium reserves. Russia holds third place, with prospected uranium reserves of over 1 million metric tons.
