The Australian Greens today called for the end of the existing Australia-Russia uranium deal, given the recent violence in Georgia and inflammatory comments overnight by the Russian Ambassador.

“Foreign Minister Steven Smith can draw a line under this reckless foreign policy gamble of the Howard era,” said Australian Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues, Senator Scott Ludlam.

“It is these deals that are sending a clear signal to Russia and governments around the world: revenue from uranium sales is more important to Australia than nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and international peace and security. This is not a message that the Australian public want to be a part of.”

“Despite vague assurances about safeguards, there are still grave uncertainties about what will eventually become of Australian uranium.”

“Russia is actively modernising its nuclear weapons stockpile, transferring nuclear fuel and reactor technology to Iran, and in January this year the Russian Chief of the Armed Forces claimed the right to use nuclear weapons “preventatively,” said Senator Ludlam.

”The Rudd Government's joint International Disarmament Commission with Japan has demonstrated leadership on the issue at a crucial time. We need to breathe life and confidence into the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, rather than undermining it with deals with Russia and support for the US-India deal in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.”

”Australia must play a leadership role on nuclear disarmament issues. We can’t afford for this vital work to be sabotaged by the uranium mining industry,” he concluded.