U.S., Ukraine Step Up Nuclear Security and Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Materials

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KYIV, Ukraine, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The United States will assist Ukraine on the issues of nuclear security and
help completely remove the remains of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Such
statement was made during the meeting between President of Ukraine Viktor
Yanukovych and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy
Sherman. In addition to nuclear security the parties also discussed Ukraine's
intentions to join the European Union.

"We are ready to fruitfully cooperate in nuclear security and non-proliferation
of nuclear materials," said Ukrainian president noting that such cooperation
demonstrates reliable Ukrainian-American partnership. In addition, Viktor
Yanukovych noted that Ukraine had been working on introducing new technology
that would replace HEU with the low enriched uranium.

The removal of dangerous HEU has been going on at different sites including the
Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology, where the U.S. promised to build a
new Neutron Source Facility which operates on much safer low-enriched uranium.

Notably, Ukraine has been disposing of solid propellant for the
intercontinental ballistic missiles SS-24 in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region.
According to President Yanukovych, soon Ukraine will launch the shop where
missile casings may also be recycled.

"Ukraine is willing to further develop strategic relations with USA. Our
cooperation on the basis of Charter on Strategic Partnership is the key to
efficient joint actions," said President Yanukovych during the meeting with
Under Secretary of State Sherman.

In addition, the Ukrainian leader commended on the assistance of the U.S. in
democratization of Ukraine. He stressed that a large number of reforms that are
taking place in Ukraine these days had been developed with the help of
international experts, including experts from the U.S. "We really appreciate it
and are grateful for it," - said the Head of State.

According to Wendy Sherman, the U.S. authorities are going to discuss with
Ukraine reforms necessary for European integration. U.S. Under Secretary of
State Sherman also noted that most Ukrainians want to join the EU. If Ukraine
were really to become the part of the EU then it would have healthy and strong
relations with Russia while maintaining its independence, said Sherman.
Becoming a part of the Customs Union, however, will provide Ukraine with an
access to a relatively small market, she said.

SOURCE Worldwide News Ukraine

For more information, please contact Maria Ivanova +380443324784
news@wnu-ukraine.com, Project Manager at Worldwide News Ukraine.