Aussie Yellowcake to China and Russia

The Australian government is finalizing negotiations with both China and Russia to sell billions of dollars-worth of yellowcake uranium for use, ostensibly, in electric power generation only.

Despite news that China has increased production of nuclear warheads recently, Beijing has committed to a safeguard agreement which reportedly prevents the use of Australian uranium in nuclear weapons. There has been no mention, however, about weapons use of the plutonium extracted through reprocessing of spent fuel.

Russia has not obligated itself to similar measures as the Chinese. Sources say that the Russians are perusing the issue.

Interestingly, while all these negotiations are occurring, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has a bug in his britches to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Ironically, Rudd wants to sell the stuff that's used to make the stuff he wants to eliminate.

I'd suggest that Mr. Rudd order some new britches and then try to un-ring a bell. I'd also suggest that Australian voters elect someone else.