September 28, 2007 (LPAC)--The debate over nuclear energy in Chile is red hot, especially after the Russian government extended an invitation to members of the Senate's Energy and Mining Committee to visit that country this month to tour its nuclear plants. Members of the committee are speaking out publicly on why Chile must decide now to build a nuclear reactor.

Chilean Environment Minister Ana Lya Uriarte responded hysterically to a report that President Michelle Bachelet had discussed nuclear energy with French President Nicholas Sarkozy, when the two met in New York this week. "This government will not take a nuclear [energy] option," she shrieked. "The President has promised not to implement nuclear energy!"

In Uruguay, Industry Minister Jorge Lepra announced on Sept. 25 that IAEA director Mohammed ElBaradei will be visiting that nation on December 3, and that the government has already taken necessary technical steps in preparation for moving into the nuclear field. He underscored the importance of Uruguay's agreement with Argentina for cooperation in technology and training of personnel.

And in Argentina, already a leader in the nuclear field, the Vice President of the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) Carlos Rey, said that the country could move to having nuclear energy meet 30% of its energy needs, up from the current 8%, the Telam news agency reported. Aside from finishing the Atucha II reactor, and getting the small CAREM prototype reactor ready for marketing to other developing nations, the CNEA also plans to step up uranium mining, suggesting it could produce enough to fuel at least seven reactors through the year 2060.