Burma’s nuclear ambitions
Posted on February 1, 2010
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Is this part of Burma's nuclear program?
The international community needs to be weary of Burma’s nuclear intentions even though suspicions that have swirled around for years are yet to be confirmed warns the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).
In a new report released last week, they warn, “Although evidence does not exist to make a compelling case that Burma is building secret nuclear reactors or fuel cycle facilities, as has been reported, the information does warrant governments and companies taking extreme caution in any dealings with Burma.”
In particular, they point to Burma’s links to North Korea and it’s purchasing of equipment that could potentially be used as part of a nuclear program. The report warns, “Burma is judged as unable to build nuclear facilities on its own. As a result, it must depend on outside suppliers for nuclear technology, equipment, materials, and facilities. Therefore, detecting suspicious Burmese procurements is potentially an important indicator of undeclared nuclear materials and facilities.”
It goes on to note, “Burma is seeking abroad a large quantity of top-notch, highly sophisticated goods with potential missile and nuclear uses. Yet, no pattern has emerged in these procurements that lead to a specific missile or nuclear end use. Nonetheless, the procurements are often suspicious or highly enigmatic, according to one senior European intelligence official.”
Furthermore, the report warns that North Korea could use Burma as a transhipment point to sell its own nuclear goods.
Last year, there were reports based on interviews with defectors that North Korea was helping Burma’s nuclear program, including building plutonium enrichment plants and facilities to produce a nuclear weapon.
However, ISIS throws doubts on these claims. Not least because they say, “The sheer number of alleged secret sites posited by these defectors by itself raises doubts about their claims.”
However, they also add, “ISIS does not want to overweigh the importance of debunking a few claims about secret nuclear facilities in Burma”.
“ There remain legitimate reasons to suspect the existence of undeclared nuclear activities in Burma, particularly in the context of North Korean cooperation. But the methods used in the public domain so far to identify existing suspect Burmese nuclear facilities are flawed.”
They warn, “Identification of suspect nuclear sites requires a more rigorous basis than is currently evident.”
The report warns, “The military regime’s suspicious links to North Korea, and apparent willingness to illegally procure high technology goods, make a priority convincing the military government to accept greater transparency.”
You can download a copy of the report here.
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