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CANBERRA - Amid heightened world tensions, it was irresponsible for Australia's federal government to be exploring greater uranium sales, the Greens said today.
Greens senator Christine Milne highlighted the issue as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country had no reverse gear in its nuclear programme, and a deputy foreign minister vowed Tehran was prepared for any eventuality, "even for war".
"Prime Minister (John) Howard should tell the people why it would make the world much safer to be expanding uranium exports into China, talking about uranium exports with Russia, speculating about the US's push with uranium and nuclear technology into India, and even the possibility of Australian uranium going to India," Senator Milne told reporters.
"The world is braced for very serious conflict."
She said this was a time to back off with regard to uranium sales proliferation.
"We've got to have diplomatic solutions but it's not going to help with Australia fuelling the global nuclear cycle by selling uranium at a faster and greater rate to more countries," Senator Milne said.
"Prime Minister Howard says that security is an issue for him.
"Well, if it's an issue for him, he should immediately declare that Australia will be leaving its uranium in the ground."
- AAP
