-Caveat Lector- Canada's only fusion lab to be dismantled, perhaps sold to Iran 10.13 p.m. ET (214 GMT) July 7, 1999 OTTAWA (AP) — Canada's only fusion laboratory, built with an estimated $110 million in public money, is for sale at a bargain price — and Iran is the most likely buyer. The dismantling of the Canadian Center for Fusion Magnetics at Varennes, Quebec, marks the end of Canada's participation in the international quest for fusion, which many scientists see as the energy source of the future. "We have lost our foothold in fusion research,'' said Real Decoste, director of the center, who confirmed Wednesday that negotiations with the Iranians are nearing the final stages. Decoste said the laboratory was effectively doomed in 1996 when the federal government pulled out of the project, leaving its partners, including several agencies of the Quebec government, in disarray. Most of the staff, including about 40 researchers and 60 engineers, have already dispersed. The amount obtained from the sale — if it goes through — will be only a fraction of what was originally invested, Decoste said. Sean Rowan, a Foreign Affairs Department spokesman, said the sale requires several types of federal approval, and no export of militarily sensitive equipment to Iran will be permitted. He said consideration of the export application is in the early stages. Murray Stewart, president of the Canadian Nuclear Association, said the fusion equipment is incapable of being diverted to military purposes. Most of the processes involved have been in the public domain for years, he added. Stewart said Iran has a long-standing, non-military, commercial nuclear program and its interest in the project was not surprising. © 1999 Associated Press. All rights reserved. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
