US, Algeria to sign nuclear energy deal

ALGIERS (AFP) - The United States will sign a deal next month for closer nuclear energy cooperation with Algeria, which has already been provided with a reactor by the Chinese, it was announced here Sunday.
A cooperation protocol would be signed "on June 9 during a visit to Algiers by an American expert delegation, including a senior official of the energy department," Algeria's Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil told journalists.
Algeria has two experimental reactors, one built by China, the other by Argentina.
The new agreement with Washington would set up cooperation mechanisms and various exchanges in the field of civil nuclear energy, including joint programmes, the minister was earlier quoted as saying during a visit to the US.
"The two sides will work towards organising sharing of experience and data, mutual visits by experts and specialists, and also conducting joint programmes," Khelil said then.
The visiting US group was scheduled next month to visit Algerian development centres for nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, Khelil also announced.
Algerian specialists would later visit the US.
Algeria's two reactors have a strength of three and 15 megawatts respectively. One was built by Argentina near the capital Algiers, while the other, constructed by China, is situated 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of Algiers.
Both are regularly inspected by the
United Nations' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> United Nations nuclear watchdog body, the International Atomic Energy Authority in Vienna.