By Hughes Beaudouin - 11th March 2004
France is not prepared to share a coveted nuclear fusion project with anyone else, it emerged on Thursday.
At a Brussels meeting of EU research ministers, commissioner Philippe Busquin was anxious to dispel rumours that Paris might share the international thermonuclear reactor (ITER) with Japan, putting an end to months of deadlock over a final decision.
“Europe is the world leader on fusion; our candidature is the best,” he told journalists at a press briefing.
“Decentralising ITER is out of the question.”
His statement was supported by the Irish government, who currently hold the rotating EU presidency, and French research minister Claudie Haigneré.
Haigneré told EUpolitix.com “France’s commitment to ITER is a given.”
“Many French researchers are leaving the country – and ITER would be a good way to keep them.”
The EU candidate for ITER is Cadarache, whilst Japan is proposing the northern village of Rokkasho-mura.
Opponents to the Japanese bid point to the risk of earthquake, as well as transport problems, in Rokkasho-mura.
But the USA is supporting its war ally Japan and is firmly opposed to a bid from the vociferously anti-war French.
And whilst Russia and China continue to prefer Cadarache, the outcome still hangs in the balance.
tr. Emily Smith
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