Chavez turns to Iran on military, uranium/ Moony Times

[TexasLawyer]

I considered posting this as LBN, but considering the non-fact-based nature of many Moony Times articles, I thought General Discussion was more appropriate.

As per a "senior administration official who asked not to be named," "Hugo Chavez has been clearly talking to Iran about uranium". Looks like BushCo wants to paint Iran and Venezuela with the same brush.


Chavez turns to Iran on military, uranium

By Rowan Scarborough
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
April 10, 2006

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking to deepen ties with Iran, with discussions on holding joint military exercises and obtaining uranium, according to Bush administration officials. Hamas also is talking to Caracas about sending representatives to Venezuela to raise money for the militant group's newly elected Palestinian government.

But relations with another ally, Russia, have soured over a deal in which Moscow is selling 100,000 AK-47s to Venezuela. The South American country was counting on receiving new rifles, but Russia has shipped a number of refurbished models, prompting Caracas to halt the deal, the U.S. sources said. Mr. Chavez's continuing efforts to cozy up to Iran are of increasing concern inside the Pentagon and State Department.

Mr. Chavez yesterday threatened to expel the U.S. ambassador, after accusing the diplomat of provoking tensions, according to reporters in Caracas. The threat came two days after pro-Chavez demonstrators tossed eggs, fruit and vegetables at Ambassador William Brownfield's car and the State Department warned Venezuela that it faced consequences if it did not protect the U.S. envoy.

The Washington Times reported in October that the Chavez government had made overtures to Iran about obtaining nuclear technology. The U.S. and European allies are now trying to force Tehran to give up its stated ambition to enrich uranium, a possible first step to building nuclear weapons.

<snip>

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20060410-123504-8592r.htm

[Neil Lisst]

1. if it's in the Washington Times, it must be ... BULLSHIT!!

But thanks for posting it. I know you know that, just getting my licks, too.

[Tempest]

3. It's most likely true

Chavez has been reaching out all over the world. Oil deals with Russia and China, military deals with Spain, Russia and China, etc.

Naturally Chavez will go to Iran for uranium. Iran is one of the world's largest suppliers of raw uranium.

And other Latin American countries are investigating developing nuclear power. Brazil for one.

[Neil Lisst]

7. I know it could be true, but the presumption with WT is they're Bushing

that is, shilling for Bush.

Sounds like Niger uranium part II.

[Monk06]

9. Iran is one of the world's largest suppliers ........

Canada is the world's leading uranium producer, accounting for a third of global production and 15% of global reserves. Australia is the next largest producer, with one quarter of global production and 27% of global reserves.

Iran has sufficient uranium reserves in the northeast to supply domestic needs with a small amount for
export.

Where did you source your information?

[newyawker99]

10. Hi gbrooks!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Monk06]

14. Thanks for the welcome

I've just returned from a year and a half on Free Republic after getting banned.

I need food, shelter, warm clothing and water........hot water.......for a bath.

[Tempest]

12. No one knows who is the world's leading uranium producer

China, Iran, Pakistan and India (and others) do not report their production numbers.

My source is World Energy Council.

[Monk06]

From the World Energy Council

The world's supply of proven Uranium reserves are very well known.

(From the World Energy Council and Global Security.com)

http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/reports/ser/uranium/uranium.asp

Production

Now that nearly all of the 21 uranium-producing countries provide official reports of annual production, it is possible to have a better understanding of worldwide uranium production (China, India and Pakistan do not provide official reports). In 1999 over 90% of world production came from the 10 major producing countries (Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Niger, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Ukraine, USA and Uzbekistan), each of which produced over 1000 tU. Canada continued to be the largest producer, with a 1999 output of 8 214 tU, or 25.2% of the world total; Australia retained second place, with production of 5 984 tU and a share of 18.4%, while the third largest producer was Niger, with 2 918 tU (9.0%).

Of the three non reporting countries only China has the potential for significant Uranium
discoveries. Iran's Uranium reserves are well known and are not considered significant from
an export standpoint.

See: http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/iran/mines.htm

Uranium resources of Iran are not considered rich. The results of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) exploration activities have shown proven reserves of about 3,000 tons of Uranium so far. According to the discovered indices (more than 350 anomalies) and the results of the field discoveries, the expected resources of Iran could be at the range of 20,000-30,000 tons of U3O8, throughout the country. Therefore Iran's domestic reserves might be sufficient enough to supply the raw material for needed nuclear power plants in future.

[Monk06]

13. delete on edit

[killbotfactory]

2. Well there you go... Chavez will have WMD! We must invade!

[gatorboy]

4. Not only that, but he's in cahoots with ...Iran!!!

Invade!!....Twice!

[kaygore]

5. OMG! So now we plan to nuke Venezuela????

[killbotfactory]

6. They have schools of mass destruction

The only thing that could be worse than nuking Venezuela... is NOT nuking Venezuela!!!

[Vexatious Ape]

8. All that and....

the bastard is spending all his oil profits on schools and hospitals and helping the damn poor. Regime change!

[VelmaD]

11. I hope he's not seriously considering...

nuclear energy as a power source. Too damn dangerous and not at all healthy.