Russia to help Venezuela build nuclear reactor

CARACAS - Venezuela President Hugo Chavez expressed readiness on Sunday to accept Russia's offer to help develop its nuclear energy with peaceful purposes.

The remark was made at a local electoral assembly on Sunday. Chavez said Venezuela is to accept Russian Premier Vladimir Putin's offer made last week to help build a nuclear reactor. The two countries have set up a special committee to work out a detailed cooperation plan, he added.

Chavez underscored the peaceful purpose of Venezuela's nuclear energy development. With its last plan to peacefully develop nuclear power failed with US obstruction in the 1950s, this Russia-aided plan will mainly cover the sections of medicine and electric power industry, according to Chavez.

Chavez arrived in Moscow on Sept. 25 for a two-day visit, during which he had talks with Prime Minister Putin over the cooperation in various fields, including energy, machine manufacturing, oil industry and military sectors.