US government welcomes ITER decision

Brussels, 11 Jul 2005

Having initially supported Japan's bid to host the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER), US government officials have welcomed the final decision to base the facility at the Cadarache site in France.

The lengthy negotiations surrounding where to construct the experimental fusion reactor ended on 28 June, when Japan agreed to support the Cadarache site in return for guarantees regarding Japanese involvement in the project and its accompanying activities.

Science Director at the Department of Energy, Raymond L. Orbach, who represented the US at the negotiations, said: 'The United States supports the decision of the parties to the ITER negotiations to conduct the international fusion reaction experiment at Cadarache, France, and the US looks forward to getting ITER construction there underway as soon as practical.'

He added: 'It boded well for ITER that there were two serviceable sites and six parties committed to this important fusion project. Now that the partners have agreed on a site, the ITER negotiations must also resolve an agreed-upon financial and procurement arrangement, together with a satisfactory management and oversight arrangement.'

In these negotiations, the US will strive for a robust solution based on the principles of equity, accountability and transparency, said Mr Orbach, so as to ensure both the success of the project and the best use of taxpayers' money.

'Fulfilling the promise of ITER will require continued international collaboration and cooperation such as that demonstrated by the six parties to the ITER talks in arriving at [the decision to base the reactor in Cadarache],' he concluded.

For further information, please consult the following web address:
http:///www.iter.org

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