UN atomic chief warns of nuclear power dangers

[Javaman]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090420/wl_afp/energynucleariaeachina;_ylt=AnVgIAtvSotqM4RuJsBCm1tpl88F

BEIJING (AFP) – The head of the UN atomic watchdog warned here Monday that the world's growing appetite for nuclear energy could lead to dangers associated with unsafe technology and weapons proliferation.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei said more than 60 countries were considering going nuclear amid an energy crunch and global warming concerns, adding to the 30 countries with existing programmes.

"(But) in some countries we see a troubling combination of old reactors, operations that are poorly managed or underfunded and weak regulations," ElBaradei said in opening remarks to a nuclear power conference in Beijing.

"This needs to be addressed immediately," he added, calling for a greater international drive to ensure the safety of nuclear plants and security of fissile material.