http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63898-2000Jun5.html

Fair use, for educational purposes.

Chernobyl Shutdown to Be Announced By Sergei Shargorodsky Associated Press Writer Monday, June 5, 2000; 6:10 AM

KIEV, Ukraine  The Chernobyl nuclear power plant, scene of the world's worst nuclear accident, would close permanently under plans being announced today during a visit by President Clinton.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials said Chernobyl would be a focal point of the meeting between Clinton and Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma. The United States is helping finance the reactor shutdown.

On Sunday, Kuchma called Clinton's six-hour visit  the last stop on his seven-day European tour  "a highly symbolic event for the country" that highlights its democratic achievements.

"This reactor must be stopped from all points of view, and first of all from the point of view of security. I have no doubts about that," Kuchma said Sunday.

He also said, however, "We won't be able to deal with this serious problem alone." Kiev, he indicated, wanted Clinton to promise a contribution to a replacement reactor project.

Kuchma planned to use Clinton's visit to announce a definite closure date for the final outdated reactor at Chernobyl, Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko said.

Kuchma has repeatedly delayed Chernobyl's closure, saying Ukraine hasn't gotten much-needed Western aid promised to finish construction of two new reactors at the Rivne and Khmelnitsky nuclear plants in exchange.

The cost of the new reactors has been estimated $1.2 billion.

The United Sates plans to provide some funding for repairs on the leaky concrete and steel sarcophagus covering Chernobyl's reactor No. 4, ruined in the April 1986 accident, according to American Ambassador Steven Pifer.

Economic concerns were also on the agenda for Clinton's visit. Kiev so far has failed to reverse its steep post-Soviet economic decline.

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-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), June 05, 2000

Answers

it took them all this time..........

-- richard (richard.dale@onion.com), June 05, 2000.

If they're that desperate for money that they're willing to start up a nuclear reactor they KNOW isn't safe, it makes me wonder what they've done/will be willing to do to raise cash. Say, other nuclear materials or biological/chemical agents for sale, maybe?

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), June 05, 2000.

I thought they were selling mobile cruise missile units, probably complete with crew to neighbouring countries or the highest bidder or anyone for that matter, and people think that we're safe now that the cold war is ended

-- richard (richard.dale@onion.com), June 05, 2000.

I am truly tired of the American tax-payer paying for the worlds troubles.

-- r (r.1@juno.com), June 05, 2000.

Deb,

Forgive me honey but what am I supposed to give a crap?

-- --WD-40 (wd40@squeak.not), June 05, 2000.

WD,

Well, I thought that these lines might hit home to a few taxpayers. I don't know about you, but I do take offense at other nations using political blackmail (welfare) to get money out of us. A gutless wonder for a U.S. President doesn't help much either...

"The United States is helping finance the reactor shutdown."

"Kuchma has repeatedly delayed Chernobyl's closure, saying Ukraine hasn't gotten much-needed Western aid promised to finish construction of two new reactors at the Rivne and Khmelnitsky nuclear plants in exchange."

"The cost of the new reactors has been estimated $1.2 billion."

"The United Sates plans to provide some funding for repairs on the leaky concrete and steel sarcophagus covering Chernobyl's reactor No. 4, ruined in the April 1986 accident, according to American Ambassador Steven Pifer."

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), June 05, 2000.