Yangon, 20 Jan-Regular press conference with local and foreign journalists was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads, officials of the Ministry of Information, Correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein Win, Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club President U Sao Kai Hpa, correspondents and guests.

Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and officials replied to the queries raised by local and foreign correspondents. Replying to queries on nuclear power issue, U Khin Maung Win said: As you all know, international media recently carried the news that Myanmar is trying to build a nuclear research reactor. Statements of some news agencies could be open to misinterpretation. It was also stated in connection with the false news that Myanmar had secretly given asylum to the two nuclear scientists from Pakistan about over a month ago.

The Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence himself had categorically denied that the news was totally untrue. Now, I would like to say again that the news was totally wrong. To give you an account of international news on this issue, it can be said that Myanmar has been interested in peaceful use of nuclear power for the people since long time ago.

You probably will remember that there used to be a department called Union of Burma Applied Research Institute (UBARI) in Myanmar. A nuclear power department had been formed under the institute since 1956. The department handled matters related to radioactive materials needed by the ministries. Moreover, Myanmar joined International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957. Since that time, Myanmar has attended meetings of IAEA regularly and cooperated with it. The trainees were sent abroad under the scholarship programmes sponsored by IAEA. In other words, Myanmar people have received the nuclear technology for peaceful use from IAEA.

 Myanmar is a country that has actively participated in disarmament. Up to now, Myanmar has been actively participating in the First Committee of the General Assembly of the UN that is the main committee for disarmament of the United Nations. Myanmar chaired the First Committee at the General Assembly of the UN in 2000. Therefore, Myanmar is always in the forefront in nuclear non-proliferation. In 1992, Myanmar signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which is the main international treaty in non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

On the other hand, according to the treaty, a signatory country's efforts for peaceful use of nuclear technology and acquiring nuclear technology are recognised as the sovereign right of a country. Moreover, Myanmar signed Regional Cooperative Agreement in 1994. Myanmar technicians have been sent to seminars, workshops and training programmes sponsored by the organisation.

In 1995, Myanmar also signed the Safeguards Agreement of IAEA which plays a vital role in preventing wrongdoings in nuclear issues. In 1995, Myanmar together with other ASEAN member countries, also signed the agreement on establishing nuclear-free zone in Southeast Asia under the leadership of ASEAN. The agreement was ratified in 1996. According to the agreement, countries in Southeast Asia are prohibited from producing, storing and giving permission to transport nuclear weapons through their territories.

 I have presented the background history in order to express the fact that Myanmar's interest in nuclear power is not for the wrong purpose but for peaceful use of nuclear power in the interest of the people. Now, Myanmar has to import isotopes made of nuclear power to be used in health, education and agricultural sectors. Sometimes, we have experienced inconveniences in doing so. Another fact I would like to present is that modern technologies are needed for building the country a peaceful modern developed one. Ways and means are to be sought for making endeavours for development of the country. In this regard, the government has studied nuclear technologies in striving for progress of medical, technological and communication sectors.

New Ministry of Science and Technology was established in October 1996. The ministry has been carrying out tasks for peaceful use of nuclear power that started since 40 years ago. In finding new ways, we have come to know that a nuclear reactor is needed for availability of radio isotopes for promotion of research works and nurturing of youth scientists and engineers. Taking into account of these situations, feasibility studies have been made for construction of a nuclear research reactor. We have received a proposal from the Russian Federation. Myanmar has followed systematic procedures on this issue according to international obligations.

The Ministry of Science and Technology informed Director-General Dr M El Baradei of IAEA that Myanmar has an intention of building a nuclear research reactor and asked IAEA for advice and assistance. Moreover, Myanmar delegation that attended IAEA Meeting met the director-general and discussed the issue on September 21. IAEA sent a delegation to Myanmar from 18 to 21 June, 2001 in response to the official report and proposal of Myanmar.

The delegation comprising experts presented a report based on the findings. Myanmar's consideration of building a nuclear research reactor is based on the peaceful purposes getting modern technologies needed for the country, availability of radio isotopes being used peacefully, training technicians and performing feasibility study for generation of electricity from nuclear power. In doing so, Myanmar has openly carried out tasks in accord with international treaty. To tell you the truth, there are already nuclear reactors in five neighbouring countries of Myanmar except for Laos. So, there is no need to worry about this issue because if we carry out the tasks, we will do it systematically. Then, the press conference ended.

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