Myanmar's limited nuclear designs

There has been a flurry of international interest in Myanmar's recent moves to re-establish diplomatic relations with North Korea and to recommence talks with Russia on the construction of a nuclear reactor.

While the regime's human rights record, including renewed detention of local human rights leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for another year on 25 May, is the prime cause for Western condemnation, the appearance of a nuclear-equipped Myanmar in league with fellow pariah North Korea was sure to attract Western attention.

North Korea and Myanmar were previously linked by US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice in her 2005 list of 'outposts of tyranny' along with other US betes noires including Belarus, Cuba, Iran and Zimbabwe. However, the theories that Myanmar is pursuing a nuclear weapons programme do not stand up to closer scrutiny.

Myanmar has been in discussions with Russia since 2000 about the purchase of a 10 megawatt (MW) low-enriched water reactor for medical research purposes. Neighbouring countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have similar existing facilities.

The initial talks with Atomstroiexport of Moscow and Myanmar's Minister of Science and Technology U Thaung broke off in 2003 reportedly because Myanmar had insufficient funds for the project. However, the country's balance of payments position is now better than it has been for decades thanks to growing export earnings from natural gas. The authorities in the new capital, Naypyidaw, therefore feel it is time to resume negotiations. These are set to continue in the second half of 2007.

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