Nuclear-policy questions loom in 2004 for Argentine President Néstor Kirchner. The most prominent concern the possible treatment here of radioactive waste from Australia and Argentina’s efforts to complete what would be its third nuclear-power station. The prospect of radioactive-waste treatment stems from a US$180 million contract that Argentina’s National Institute of Applied Research (Invap) won three years ago to build a small nuclear reactor for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (Ansto). The 20-megawatt reactor, to replace an existing reactor outside Sydney at Lucas Heights, is to be used for research and the production of radioisotopes. Under a nuclear-cooperation accord signed in the wake of the Invap-Ansto deal, Argentina promises Australia that, if necessary, it would accept... [Log in to read more]