Brazilian-Russian Nuclear Cooperation, Lavrov Discusses Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict

Lavrov, Bagapsh discuss situation in Georgian-Abkhaz conflict area

16:23 GMT, May 20, 2008

MOSCOW. May 20 (Interfax) -

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh, who is currently visiting Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website. Lavrov and Bagapsh "exchanged opinions on the situation in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone during the conversation.

The parties spoke in favor of measures to alleviate tensions in spirit of the recommendations contained in relevant UN Security Council resolutions and decisions by the UN Secretary General's Group of Friends on Georgia," it said. "Bagapsh thanked the Russian leadership for supporting the Abkhaz people and rendering them socioeconomic and humanitarian assistance," it said. va dp

Brazilian FM: Brazil ready to expand technological cooperation with Russia, including on peaceful nuclear energy

Brazil wants to expand cooperation in the technological sector with Russia, in particular on biotechnology and space exploration, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said in an exclusive interview with Interfax

"Brazil and Russia could expand cooperation in the high-technology sector with a focus on biotechnology and space exploration, as relates to the search for solutions to energy problems, which could complicate the development process in our countries," Amorim said.

The Brazilian-Russian rapprochement "has an upward trend," because our countries have much in common and this facilitates the rapprochement," he said.

"This partnership manifests itself in the coordinated position our countries have on a large number of issues, including UN reform and its adaptation to the current situation. In addition, the opinions of our countries on a number of international issues, which are based on adherence to the principles of multipolarity and the development of a political dialogue, the search for diplomatic solutions to crises at the regional level, and the reduction of weapons of mass destruction and their non-proliferation, coincide," Amorim said.

"Bilateral trade has been growing stably, totaling $5.45 billion in 2007. At the same time, there is considerable potential for further expansion of trade, in the agricultural, livestock and industrial goods areas," the minister said.

"Brazil seeks to develop cooperation with Russia in the peaceful use of nuclear energy," he said.

"There exists an agreement on cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy between our countries, signed in 1994 during my first tenure as foreign minister. The agreement covers various areas, including fundamental and applied research of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the construction of research and energy reactors, radiological protection, and nuclear security," Amorim said.

Speaking on the Yekaterinburg meeting of foreign ministers from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China), the minister said, "This is the first BRIC meeting in the ministerial format."

"Although the notion of BRIC first appeared in a report by Goldman Sachs, the official establishment of this group reflected the growing weight, as well as political and economic influence, of its four members," Amorim said.

"Given their political, economic and social characteristics, the BRIC members could bridge the divide between industrially developed and developing countries to ensure sustainable development and a more balanced foreign policy. We should contribute to the building of a more democratic world order, ensuring the broadest possible participation of developing countries in the decision-making at various agencies," he said.

Amorim also thanked Russia for support in bid to secure permanent seat on UN Security Council an underlined the need to reform the UN Security Council is pressing.

"The issue of reforming the Security Council has been under discussion at the UN for more than 15 years. Brazil thinks that it is high time to move from words to action," Amorim said to Interfax .

"We are ready to adopt a constructive attitude in a negotiating process that could yield a much-needed decision on this issue. Many nations, including Russia, see Brazil among the permanent members of the Security Council. We are very thankful for this support and are ready to make an even greater contribution to the cause of international peace and security," he said.

"It is unreasonable to maintain a Security Council made up of its current five permanent members. It is necessary to expand it both in the categories of permanent and nonpermanent members, to ensure developing countries are represented. Most of the world community wants to see it because this decision will make the Security Council more legitimate, more representative and efficient. Brazil supports an international system based on multi-polarity, in line with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The central role in this system belongs to the UN," he said.

Similarly to "many international organizations, the UN and its Security Council need reforms and a renewal to resolve current issues more efficiently," he said.

"Since 1945, the world has seen considerable geopolitical and economic changes. The number of UN member states has grown from 51 to 192. Most of them - 130 (67%) -- are representatives of Africa, Latin America and Asia," he said.

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