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Russia: Gore-Primakov (Gore-Chernomyrdin) Commission (GCC)
Sources:
[1] US Department of State Bureau of Public Affairs, "U.S.-Russian Joint Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation (Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission)," online edition,http://www.state.gov/www/regions/nis/gore_chernomyrdin.html, 12 July 1996.
[2] US Department of Energy, "Gore Chernomyrdin Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation," online edition,http://www.eia.doe.gov/gorec, 7 March 1997.
[3] United States Information Agency, "Committees of the U.S.-Russia Binational Commission (The Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission)," http://www.usis.usemb.se/regional/bnc/usrussia/committees, 2 October 1997
[4] Silicon Valley Defense/Space Consortium, "Pathways to Partnerships," http://www.svdsc.org/rusrep.shtml.
[5] "Expansion of Nuclear Material Control Program, Tax Relief on U.S. Funds, New Venture in Fuel Cell Mark July G-CC Meeting,"Post-Soviet Nuclear & Defense Monitor, vol. 3, no. 19, 31 July 1996, p. 1.
[6] Cerniello, Craig, "Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission Expands Cooperative Measures," Arms Control Today, March 1997, p. 26.
[7] "Fact Sheet: Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission," U.S. Department of State Dispatch, vol. 5, no. 52, 26 December 1994, pp. 843-846.
{Entered 11/19/97 PBI}
This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2010 by MIIS.
At their summit meeting in Vancouver, in April 1993, President Clinton and President Yeltsin created the US-Russian Joint Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation. Since then it has become known as the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission (GCC), after its co-chairmen, US Vice President Al Gore and Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin. The Commission's original mandate was to support cooperation between the United States and Russia in the areas of space, energy, and high technology. [7] However, as of July 1996 the GCC had been expanded to include eight different committees: Space, Business Development, Energy Policy, Defense Conversion, Science and Technology, Environment, Health, and Agribusiness. The Commission formally convenes about twice a year in either Washington or Moscow; the individual committees maintain regular contact throughout the year.[1]
Those committees most directly linked to nonproliferation concerns are the Energy Policy and Defense Conversion committees.
Those committees most directly linked to nonproliferation concerns are the Energy Policy and Defense Conversion committees.
The Energy Policy Committee was chaired in the United States by Secretary of Energy Federico Pena and co-chaired in Russia by Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov and Deputy Minister of Fuel and Energy Sergey Kiriyenko.[3] The goals of the committee are to reduce the risks associated with nuclear power and the dismantlement of nuclear weapons, to encourage the environmentally safe and efficient production and use of energy, and to establish an environment to encourage economic reform and western investment.[2]
The Defense Conversion Committee currently is chaired in the United States by Deputy Secretary of Defense John Hamre and co-chaired in Russia by Secretary of the Defense Council Andrey Kokoshin and Valeriy A. Mikhailov, the Chief of the Department of Defense Industries in the Office of the Prime Minister. The committee was established to focus specifically on defense diversification issues in Russia.[3]
The Defense Conversion Committee currently is chaired in the United States by Deputy Secretary of Defense John Hamre and co-chaired in Russia by Secretary of the Defense Council Andrey Kokoshin and Valeriy A. Mikhailov, the Chief of the Department of Defense Industries in the Office of the Prime Minister. The committee was established to focus specifically on defense diversification issues in Russia.[3]
CHRONOLOGY
Listed below is a partial chronology of the GCC's meetings as they relate to nonproliferation issues. The GCC's primary work is in efforts for nuclear materials protection, control, and accounting (MPC&A), nuclear safety, and the safe storage and eventual production cutoff of weapons-grade fissile material.
For a detailed account of the plutonium production reactors shutdown please refer to Todd Perry's article, Stemming Russia’s Plutonium Tide: Cooperative Efforts to Convert Military Reactors in the Center for Nonproliferation Studies' Nonproliferation Review.
Gore-Chernomyrdin 1----September 1993
The United States and Russia agreed to jointly study nuclear reactor safety issues to ascertain the most potentially productive areas for joint work. [1]
The United States and Russia agreed to jointly study nuclear reactor safety issues to ascertain the most potentially productive areas for joint work. [1]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 2----December 1993
Energy
Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin signed a statement of principles for nuclear safety cooperation. (Joint Principles for Nuclear Reactor Safety) With this agreement, both governments committed themselves to supporting and extending bilateral and multilateral nuclear safety efforts.
US Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary and Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov signed an agreement on improving the safety of Russian nuclear reactors. The agreement provides for developing emergency operating procedures and training for workers at a number of VVER-440, VVER-1000, and RBMK reactors. It also provides for the joint development of improved nuclear and radiation safety regulations in the Russian Federation. Finally, the agreement provides a legal and liability framework for US corporations that are working in Russia to improve the safety of these reactors.
Agreement Concerning Operational Safety Enhancements, Risk Reduction Measures and Nuclear Safety Regulation for Civil Nuclear Facilities in the Russian Federation
Energy
Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin signed a statement of principles for nuclear safety cooperation. (Joint Principles for Nuclear Reactor Safety) With this agreement, both governments committed themselves to supporting and extending bilateral and multilateral nuclear safety efforts.
US Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary and Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov signed an agreement on improving the safety of Russian nuclear reactors. The agreement provides for developing emergency operating procedures and training for workers at a number of VVER-440, VVER-1000, and RBMK reactors. It also provides for the joint development of improved nuclear and radiation safety regulations in the Russian Federation. Finally, the agreement provides a legal and liability framework for US corporations that are working in Russia to improve the safety of these reactors.
Agreement Concerning Operational Safety Enhancements, Risk Reduction Measures and Nuclear Safety Regulation for Civil Nuclear Facilities in the Russian Federation
Defense Conversion
Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin agreed on principles to guide US and Russian cooperation in the conversion and diversification of Russian defense industries. They also established a "protocol to the existing Nunn-Lugar defense conversion implementation agreement that provided up to $20 million for direct conversion assistance for the transition to civilian production of modular housing."[1]
Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin agreed on principles to guide US and Russian cooperation in the conversion and diversification of Russian defense industries. They also established a "protocol to the existing Nunn-Lugar defense conversion implementation agreement that provided up to $20 million for direct conversion assistance for the transition to civilian production of modular housing."[1]
Gore-Chernomyrdin Related Meeting Between DOE and Minatom----March 1994
US Secretary of Energy O'Leary and Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Mikhailov signed an agreement of intent to allow, by the end of 1994, bilateral inspection of some facilities that store plutonium formerly used in nuclear weapons. The action was taken in accordance with President Clinton's and President Yeltsin's desire for greater transparency and irreversibility between Russia and the United States in the disarmament process. To facilitate these inspections, it was agreed that technical experts from the two countries would meet within two months of the date the agreement was signed to define the procedures for inspecting the plutonium and confirming that it came from nuclear weapons.
Joint Statement on Inspection of Facilities Containing Fissile Material Removed from Nuclear Weapons
US Secretary of Energy O'Leary and Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Mikhailov signed an agreement of intent to allow, by the end of 1994, bilateral inspection of some facilities that store plutonium formerly used in nuclear weapons. The action was taken in accordance with President Clinton's and President Yeltsin's desire for greater transparency and irreversibility between Russia and the United States in the disarmament process. To facilitate these inspections, it was agreed that technical experts from the two countries would meet within two months of the date the agreement was signed to define the procedures for inspecting the plutonium and confirming that it came from nuclear weapons.
Joint Statement on Inspection of Facilities Containing Fissile Material Removed from Nuclear Weapons
Gore-Chernomyrdin 3----June 1994
Energy
Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin signed an agreement pledging to permanently end the operation of plutonium production reactors at Mayak (Chelyabinsk-65), Mining and Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk-26), and Siberian Chemical Combine (Tomsk-7) by 2000. The agreement also prohibits the restarting of reactors that are already closed, and prohibits the use of plutonium produced by these reactors in nuclear weapons. Furthermore, they declared their intention to come to an agreement on "the earliest possible total cessation of the production of plutonium for use in nuclear weapons." They also agreed to consider the development of replacement sources for the plutonium reactors in order to generate thermal and electric energy.
Agreement Concerning the Shutdown of Plutonium Production Reactors and the Cessation of Use of Newly Produced Plutonium for Nuclear Weapons
Energy
Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin signed an agreement pledging to permanently end the operation of plutonium production reactors at Mayak (Chelyabinsk-65), Mining and Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk-26), and Siberian Chemical Combine (Tomsk-7) by 2000. The agreement also prohibits the restarting of reactors that are already closed, and prohibits the use of plutonium produced by these reactors in nuclear weapons. Furthermore, they declared their intention to come to an agreement on "the earliest possible total cessation of the production of plutonium for use in nuclear weapons." They also agreed to consider the development of replacement sources for the plutonium reactors in order to generate thermal and electric energy.
Agreement Concerning the Shutdown of Plutonium Production Reactors and the Cessation of Use of Newly Produced Plutonium for Nuclear Weapons
Defense Conversion
At this meeting of the Commission, the United States publicized the first contract awards made to US firms that had established joint ventures with Russian defense firms. These awards were made possible by the March 1994 Nunn-Lugar defense conversion agreement that allocates up to $20 million in assistance for defense conversion. The United States also announced the incorporation of the Defense Enterprise Fund which was formed with a $7.7 million grant to assist in defense conversion in the NIS. Finally, both sides agreed to expedite construction of the fissile material storage facility at Mayak.[1]
At this meeting of the Commission, the United States publicized the first contract awards made to US firms that had established joint ventures with Russian defense firms. These awards were made possible by the March 1994 Nunn-Lugar defense conversion agreement that allocates up to $20 million in assistance for defense conversion. The United States also announced the incorporation of the Defense Enterprise Fund which was formed with a $7.7 million grant to assist in defense conversion in the NIS. Finally, both sides agreed to expedite construction of the fissile material storage facility at Mayak.[1]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 4----December 1994
Energy
At this meeting, the two sides agreed to fund studies on alternative energy sources to replace plutonium production reactors at Mining and Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk-26) and Siberian Chemical Combine (Tomsk-7).
TDA Grant Agreement on Study of Alternative Energy Sources to Replace Plutonium Production Reactor at Krasnoyarsk-26
Energy
At this meeting, the two sides agreed to fund studies on alternative energy sources to replace plutonium production reactors at Mining and Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk-26) and Siberian Chemical Combine (Tomsk-7).
TDA Grant Agreement on Study of Alternative Energy Sources to Replace Plutonium Production Reactor at Krasnoyarsk-26
They also agreed to share unclassified technical information about nuclear warheads to enhance the safety and security of their dismantlement.
Warhead Safety and Security Agreement
Warhead Safety and Security Agreement
Defense Conversion
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) committed itself to granting $500 million in insurance and financial assistance to US firms engaged in joint ventures with Russian defense companies. Also at this meeting, Vice President Gore announced the award of four contracts to US firms and their Russian defense enterprise counterparts totalling $16.6 million.[1]
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) committed itself to granting $500 million in insurance and financial assistance to US firms engaged in joint ventures with Russian defense companies. Also at this meeting, Vice President Gore announced the award of four contracts to US firms and their Russian defense enterprise counterparts totalling $16.6 million.[1]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 5----June 1995
Energy
Secretary O' Leary and Minister Mikhailov reaffirmed their commitment to jointly cooperate on nuclear material protection, control and accounting (MPC&A). They also expanded the MPC&A program to five new facilities: Luch Scientific Production Association, the All-Russian Scientific and Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (SRIAR), the highly enriched uranium breeder reactor fuel line at the Elektrostal Machine Building Plant (MSZ),Mayak Chemical Combine, and the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE). Furthermore, both sides agreed that the US-supplied control and protection equipment at Mayak should be installed and demonstrated.
Joint Statement on Protection, Control and Accounting of Nuclear Materials
Energy
Secretary O' Leary and Minister Mikhailov reaffirmed their commitment to jointly cooperate on nuclear material protection, control and accounting (MPC&A). They also expanded the MPC&A program to five new facilities: Luch Scientific Production Association, the All-Russian Scientific and Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (SRIAR), the highly enriched uranium breeder reactor fuel line at the Elektrostal Machine Building Plant (MSZ),Mayak Chemical Combine, and the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE). Furthermore, both sides agreed that the US-supplied control and protection equipment at Mayak should be installed and demonstrated.
Joint Statement on Protection, Control and Accounting of Nuclear Materials
An agreement was also reached whereby the US Department of Energy was to provide to the Russian Federal Inspectorate for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (Gosatomnadzor) "consultation, training, and technical assistance in the development of regulatory programs and related licensing activities for operating fuel cycle facilities and research reactors." [2] A Joint Committee on Cooperation (JCC) between the US Department of Energy and Gosatomnadzor was created to be the implementing agent of this agreement.
Agreement Between the US Department of Energy and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority of the Russian Federation for Cooperation on Enhancing the Safety of Russian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities and Research Reactors
Agreement Between the US Department of Energy and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority of the Russian Federation for Cooperation on Enhancing the Safety of Russian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities and Research Reactors
Also signed was an agreement for the United States to help Russia improve its national MPC&A programs by charging the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance to Gosatomnadzor in the form of equipment, property, supplies, training, and services. The newly formed JCC was authorized to act as the implementing agent for this agreement as well.
Agreement Between the Department of Energy of the United States and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Authority of the Russian Federation to Cooperate on National Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) of Nuclear Materials
Agreement Between the Department of Energy of the United States and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Authority of the Russian Federation to Cooperate on National Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) of Nuclear Materials
A joint statement was also issued by Secretary O'Leary and Minister Mikhailov concerning transparency measures of the highly enriched uranium (HEU) purchase program. They agreed to adhere to all of the tenets of the former agreements and adopted several specific additional procedures for transparency at the Russian facilities processing the HEU. Comparable transparency requirements were also to be extended to the US enrichment facility at Portsmouth where the low-enriched uranium delivered under the program is stored and processed.
Joint Statement on HEU Purchase Agreement Transparency Measures
Joint Statement on HEU Purchase Agreement Transparency Measures
Finally, the two countries agreed to feasibility studies on energy sources that could be used to replace the power generated by the plutonium production reactors at Mining and Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk-26) and Siberian Chemical Combine (Tomsk-7).
Statement of Intent on Plutonium Production Reactors
Defense Conversion
A possible joint venture with a facility that formerly produced guidance systems for ICBMs was announced. This facility would be converted to provide civilian software programming. Also announced was the "Pathways to Partnerships" convention in San Jose, California from June 7-9, 1995. This convention was organized to showcase Russian technologies and to pair up Russian and American businessmen for potential future joint ventures.[1,4]
Statement of Intent on Plutonium Production Reactors
Defense Conversion
A possible joint venture with a facility that formerly produced guidance systems for ICBMs was announced. This facility would be converted to provide civilian software programming. Also announced was the "Pathways to Partnerships" convention in San Jose, California from June 7-9, 1995. This convention was organized to showcase Russian technologies and to pair up Russian and American businessmen for potential future joint ventures.[1,4]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 6----January 1996
Energy
The Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy and the US Department of Energy agreed to create a Russian American Consortium on fuel elements to develop environmentally safe and marketable fuel cell power sources.
Joint Statement Regarding the Creation of a RussianAmerican Fuel Cell Consortium
Energy
The Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy and the US Department of Energy agreed to create a Russian American Consortium on fuel elements to develop environmentally safe and marketable fuel cell power sources.
Joint Statement Regarding the Creation of a RussianAmerican Fuel Cell Consortium
Secretary O'Leary and Minister Mikhailov signed a joint statement that specifies five guiding principles for the continued cooperation of the United States and Russia in the area of control, accountability and physical protection of Nuclear Materials.
Joint Statement on Guiding Principles in the Area of Control, Accountability, and Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials
Joint Statement on Guiding Principles in the Area of Control, Accountability, and Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to MPC&A and agreed that "improvements in materials control, accounting, and physical protection at nuclear facilities related to serial production activities is sensitive but important." The statement also expanded MPC&A cooperative efforts in 1996 to the following six sites: Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrate Plant, the Sverdlovsk Branch of the Scientific Research and Design Institute of Power Technology (NIKIET), V.G. Khlopin Radium Institute Scientific Production Association (NPO), Beloyarsk NPP, Mining and Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk26) and the Ural Electrochemical Combine.
Joint Statement on Control, Accounting, and Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials
Joint Statement on Control, Accounting, and Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials
A joint statement was also signed regarding the International Nuclear Safety Centers. Overseen by the US Department of Energy and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy, these two centers were designed to work together to "promote continuing improvement of nuclear safety and enhance core competencies in nuclear technology. They are to maintain technical excellence in safe nuclear reactor design, promote the development of nuclear safetyrelated technologies, and serve as international focal points for exchange of safety information." [2] The Centers' initial joint projects in 1996 were the development of an international nuclear safety database comprising plant-specific information and reactor safety evaluations and the development of a material properties database that includes severe accident analysis and evolving accident management guidelines.
Joint Statement on Establishment of International Nuclear Safety Centers
Defense Conversion
During this meeting a finance protocol for a new potential joint venture to provide computer systems and programming services was signed. The committee also announced its plans to sponsor three conference workshops in the United States and Russia to promote defense conversion business partnerships.[1]
Joint Statement on Establishment of International Nuclear Safety Centers
Defense Conversion
During this meeting a finance protocol for a new potential joint venture to provide computer systems and programming services was signed. The committee also announced its plans to sponsor three conference workshops in the United States and Russia to promote defense conversion business partnerships.[1]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 7----July 1996
Energy
Secretary O'Leary and Minister Mikhailov signed an agreement that expands MPC&A cooperation to four more sites in Russia. They are the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEF), the Central Design Bureau for Machine Building, theElectrochemical Plant (EKHZ) (for Uranium Isotope Separation), and the Moscow branch of the Scientific Research and Design Institute of Energy Technology (NIKIET).
Joint Statement on Control, Acounting, and Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials
The two countries also issued a joint statement expanding the initiative for MPC&A cooperation on the secure transportation of nuclear materials in Russia.
Joint Statement on Nuclear Material Protection, Control, and Accounting During Transportation
Energy
Secretary O'Leary and Minister Mikhailov signed an agreement that expands MPC&A cooperation to four more sites in Russia. They are the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEF), the Central Design Bureau for Machine Building, theElectrochemical Plant (EKHZ) (for Uranium Isotope Separation), and the Moscow branch of the Scientific Research and Design Institute of Energy Technology (NIKIET).
Joint Statement on Control, Acounting, and Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials
The two countries also issued a joint statement expanding the initiative for MPC&A cooperation on the secure transportation of nuclear materials in Russia.
Joint Statement on Nuclear Material Protection, Control, and Accounting During Transportation
A draft agreement of the Russian-American Consortium on Fuel Cells was presented and there was a "renewed commitment to move forward to execute a New Peaceful Use Agreement."[5]
Defense Conversion
An expansion of the SovLux joint venture to produce batteries and photovolatics was announced. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) pledged to provide financing and risk insurance to twenty-two new projects. Finally, with the conclusion of the Accord on the Temporary Resolution on Eliminating Taxation, there was a six month freeze on the taxes normally attached to US technical assistance and services.[5]
Defense Conversion
An expansion of the SovLux joint venture to produce batteries and photovolatics was announced. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) pledged to provide financing and risk insurance to twenty-two new projects. Finally, with the conclusion of the Accord on the Temporary Resolution on Eliminating Taxation, there was a six month freeze on the taxes normally attached to US technical assistance and services.[5]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 8----February 1997
Energy
At this meeting the United States and Russia agreed to extend laboratory-to-laboratory cooperation on high energy physics for five years.
Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Research on Fundamental Properties of Matter
Energy
At this meeting the United States and Russia agreed to extend laboratory-to-laboratory cooperation on high energy physics for five years.
Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Research on Fundamental Properties of Matter
Also, in a joint statement signed by then-Acting US Secretary of Energy Charles Curtis and Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the cooperative MPC&A program and added the Research Institute for Instruments (Lytkarino) to the list of current sites.[6]
Gore-Chernomyrdin 9----September 1997
Energy
During this meeting of the Commission, the major issues surrounding the shutdown of the three remaining Russian plutonium production reactors were resolved. An agreement signed by Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin detailed the core conversion plans for the three remaining Russian plutonium production reactors. According to this agreement, these reactors will cease the production of weapons-grade plutonium by December 31, 2000. By that time, their cores will be converted to produce only reactor-grade plutonium and will continue producing only reactor grade plutonium until the end of their normal lifetimes. Furthermore, the two sides agreed that the plutonium reactors already shut down will remain so.
Gore-Chernomyrdin 9----September 1997
Energy
During this meeting of the Commission, the major issues surrounding the shutdown of the three remaining Russian plutonium production reactors were resolved. An agreement signed by Vice President Gore and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin detailed the core conversion plans for the three remaining Russian plutonium production reactors. According to this agreement, these reactors will cease the production of weapons-grade plutonium by December 31, 2000. By that time, their cores will be converted to produce only reactor-grade plutonium and will continue producing only reactor grade plutonium until the end of their normal lifetimes. Furthermore, the two sides agreed that the plutonium reactors already shut down will remain so.
(All of the agreements in this section can be found at the following URL: http://www.usis.usemb.se/regional/.../indexdoc.htm. For the convenience of NIS Nuclear Profiles database users, the links below are to copies in the fulltext directory of the Profiles database.)
Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning Cooperation Regarding Plutonium Production Reactors
Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning Cooperation Regarding Plutonium Production Reactors
The actual implementation of the core conversion will be governed by an agreement signed by the US Department of Defense (DOD) and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy (Minatom). In this agreement DOD pledges to spend up to $10 million of Congress appropriated funds in technical assistance and design advising.
Agreement Between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy Concerning the Modification of the Operating Seversk (Tomsk Region) and Zheleznogorsk (Krasnoyarsk Region) Plutonium Production Reactors
In a side letter the DOD stated that it intends to provide an additional $70 million as those funds are appropriated by Congress. This figure is an estimate that may be revised as more accurate reactor modification designs are developed.
Side Letter to the Agreement between the DOD and Minatom re Plutonium Production Reactors
Agreement Between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy Concerning the Modification of the Operating Seversk (Tomsk Region) and Zheleznogorsk (Krasnoyarsk Region) Plutonium Production Reactors
In a side letter the DOD stated that it intends to provide an additional $70 million as those funds are appropriated by Congress. This figure is an estimate that may be revised as more accurate reactor modification designs are developed.
Side Letter to the Agreement between the DOD and Minatom re Plutonium Production Reactors
In a memorandum of understanding, DOE and Minatom specified that all issues regarding liability resulting from activities under this agreement that are not specifically spelled out under the framework of the agreement will be governed by a previous agreement of the GCC in December 1993 .
Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy Concerning Cooperation Regarding Plutonium Production Reactors
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Gosatomnadzor issued a statement emphasizing their intent to assure that the conversion activities proceed safely.
Joint Statement Between the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Russian Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority to Enhance Regulatory Oversight of Core Conversion Activities
Several other documents were presented at this meeting of the GCC. Vice President Gore issued both a Fact Sheet on U.S.-Russian Plutonium Production Reactor Agreement and a Fact Sheet on Core Conversion. Also issued was a Vice Presidential Statement on the Energy Policy Committee in which Gore highlights the accomplishments of the Committee, particularly with regards to the plutonium production reactors conversion. In this statement he also comments on "the intent of the US and Russia to increase cooperation on nuclear safety in third countries, operating Soviet-era plants."
Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy Concerning Cooperation Regarding Plutonium Production Reactors
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Gosatomnadzor issued a statement emphasizing their intent to assure that the conversion activities proceed safely.
Joint Statement Between the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Russian Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority to Enhance Regulatory Oversight of Core Conversion Activities
Several other documents were presented at this meeting of the GCC. Vice President Gore issued both a Fact Sheet on U.S.-Russian Plutonium Production Reactor Agreement and a Fact Sheet on Core Conversion. Also issued was a Vice Presidential Statement on the Energy Policy Committee in which Gore highlights the accomplishments of the Committee, particularly with regards to the plutonium production reactors conversion. In this statement he also comments on "the intent of the US and Russia to increase cooperation on nuclear safety in third countries, operating Soviet-era plants."
For a detailed account of the plutonium production reactors shutdown please refer to Todd Perry's article, "Stemming Russia's Plutonium Tide: Cooperative Efforts to Convert Military Reactors"in the Center for Nonproliferation Studies' Nonproliferation Review.
Foreign Assistance
[1] US Department of State Bureau of Public Affairs, "U.S.-Russian Joint Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation (Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission)," online edition,http://www.state.gov/www/regions/nis/gore_chernomyrdin.html, 12 July 1996.
[2] US Department of Energy, "Gore Chernomyrdin Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation," online edition,http://www.eia.doe.gov/gorec, 7 March 1997.
[3] United States Information Agency, "Committees of the U.S.-Russia Binational Commission (The Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission)," http://www.usis.usemb.se/regional/bnc/usrussia/committees, 2 October 1997
[4] Silicon Valley Defense/Space Consortium, "Pathways to Partnerships," http://www.svdsc.org/rusrep.shtml.
[5] "Expansion of Nuclear Material Control Program, Tax Relief on U.S. Funds, New Venture in Fuel Cell Mark July G-CC Meeting,"Post-Soviet Nuclear & Defense Monitor, vol. 3, no. 19, 31 July 1996, p. 1.
[6] Cerniello, Craig, "Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission Expands Cooperative Measures," Arms Control Today, March 1997, p. 26.
[7] "Fact Sheet: Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission," U.S. Department of State Dispatch, vol. 5, no. 52, 26 December 1994, pp. 843-846.
{Entered 11/19/97 PBI}
Comments or questions? Contact Cristina Chuen at MIIS CNS: Cristina.ChuenATmiis.edu
This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2010 by MIIS.
