Ukraine's promise by Barbora Misakova

There are two sides of my personality constantly arguing with each other. On one hand I want to believe that atomic energy can and also WILL be used for peaceful purposes, on the other hand I hear myself laughing. In the first breakthrough at the Nuclear Security Summit which takes place on April 12-13 in Washington, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych announced disposal of stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. Uranium should be disposed by the time of the next Nuclear Security Summit what means by 2012. But while President Barack Obama praised Ukraine and its decision as a “historic step and reaffirmation of Ukraine’s leadership in nuclear security and nonpr! oliferation” I am still skeptical. First of all – the promise of United States of providing technical expertise and financing for the disposal of the uranium in Ukraine seems unrealistic to me. Where will the indebted United States with own problems, find money for that? Another question is – what exactly “get rid of all stocks” does mean? That optimistic dreamer believes it will be simply destroyed, but that realistic part of me is only shaking his head in wonder. In the era of 21st century’s great depression only fool would destroy (maybe the only) potential source of money. Pointing at Chernobyl disaster from April 26, 1986 may work for a while, but will the protection and safety of Ukrainians outweigh money that could be earned if the uranium would be sold? The whole situation lies in the hands of Ukrainian government. Hope that dreamy part of me is going to be right this time.

related story (sgx16975): http://www.france24.com/en/20100412-ukraine-enriched-uranium...

by Barbora Misakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

Cantell TV is the fastest growing provider of digital broadcasting coupled with telecommunications, allowing people to easily control, view, upload and share digital content through proprietary interface coupled with free phone calls. Cantell TV is committed to delivering infinite choices to your world of entertainment at the tip of your fingers.