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RUSSIA, USA JOIN HANDS AGAINST DIRTY BOMB

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9 /from RIA Novosti's Arkadi Orlov/ - The Russian and US governments determined to establish a joint ad hoc team which will bar the way of nuclear substances and materials from falling into terrorist hands lest they make radioactive bombs, generally known as dirty. Spencer Abraham, US Secretary of Energy, and Alexander Rumyantsev, Russia's Minister of Nuclear Power Industry, made the announcement at a joint news conference in Washington today.

The team will identify and take stock of all tentative sources of radioactive substances--in particular, medical isotopes or radioactive-powered autonomous electric generators, which may some day attract terrorists. The team will also draft recommendations for bilateral teamwork in that field, said Mr. Abraham.

Russia also regards such sources of radioactive materials as a formidable problem, and is determined to take them all under strict supervision, added Mr. Rumyantsev.

Russian experts formerly designed lasting nuclear isotope-powered power packs used in the Arctic and other outlying areas. Their salvage was debated at the negotiation table in Washington, and Russia has by now started the job in Belarus with IAEA assistance.

Alexander Rumyantsev referred to the plight of two men injured in contact with a similar device in Georgia. One of them is undergoing treatment in France, and the other in a Russian hospital under the Ministry of Nuclear Power Industry. "The fact shows how serious the problem is, and we are ready to cope with it," he said.

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