IAEA to accept Brazilian proposal over nuclear inspections
Brazil believed that the conditions it proposed for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect a uranium-enrichment plant in the southeastern part of the country had been satisfactory to the inspectors, Brazilian officials said Wednesday.

Three IAEA inspectors visited the nuclear-fuel plant in Resende,Rio de Janeiro state, on Tuesday, but they only saw tubes and valves leading to the centrifuges.

All the conditions proposed by Brazil were met and the IAEA experts did not present new demands for access to the centrifuges, a key element in an efficient uranium enrichment process solely developed by Brazil, said officials of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy National Commission.

Under the proposed conditions, the UN nuclear agency could inspect the natural uranium and the enriched uranium at the Resende plant through checking ducts and pipes so as to ensure that the material is not for other uses.

Uranium enriched to low levels is used for fuel to generate power, but more highly enriched, weapons-grade uranium can be used to produce nuclear bombs.

The inspectors from South Africa, France and the United States will submit a detailed report to the Vienna-based IAEA, which will make a decision on the inspections in Brazil within 30 days.

Defense Minister Jose Viegas said on Tuesday that Brazil is calm as the "visit of the IAEA mission proves Brazil has nothing to hide in nuclear material."

For almost a year, the IAEA has been discussing with the Brazilian government conditions for access of inspectors to its nuclear facilities.

Brasilia said it wants to keep secret the advanced technology at the Resende plant, which can not start operation without IAEA permission.
 

Cuba circulates draft resolution, urging end of US embargo
Cuba has presented a draft UN resolution that urges an end to a 43-year-old trade embargo imposed by the United States on the Caribbean island, local media reported Wednesday.

The draft resolution, to be voted on by the UN General Assembly on Oct. 28, reiterated the principles of sovereign equality among nations, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and freedom of international trade and navigation.

The document cited the declarations issued by the heads of state and government at Iberian-American summits, which called for the elimination of unilateral economic measures against other nations.

In addition, Cuba expressed in the draft resolution concerns over the embargo's negative impact on the Cuban people and Cuban nationals living in other countries.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Ramon Perez Roque last Thursday slammed the US blockade, saying it is tantamount to genocide and is the principal obstacle to the welfare of Cubans.

The draft resolution also accused the United States of continuing drafting and applying new bills aimed at extending the blockade although the United Nations has for 12 straight years urged it to end its decades-long embargo against Cuba.

Last November, Cuba's resolution got 179 votes in favor. Only Israel and the Marshall Islands joined the United States in voting against it.

Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1961. Americans are barred from traveling to the Caribbean island nation except those with government clearance.
 

Cuban President Castro injured after tumble
Cuban President Fidel Castro fell and got injured as he left the stage after a televised speech on Wednesday night.

The 78-year-old leader tumbled after delivering a speech at a graduation ceremony in the central city of Santa Clara, east of Havana.

Castro said he felt pains in one of his legs and one shoulder, but joked into the microphone that "maybe I broke my knee ... but I am all in one piece."

His condition was not immediately known.
 

El Salvador to send 125 soldiers to Haiti
El Salvador will send 125 soldiers to Haiti as part of the Central American contingent to be deployed in the country, in response to a UN request, said reports from the capital San Salvador on Wednesday.

Salvadoran Defense Minister Otto Romero told reporters that the armed forces of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and his country are preparing for a military mission in Haiti.

Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca has authorized the deployment, Romero said, adding that the troops of El Salvador will include military police, engineers and combat-supporting staff.

Among the group are also members of the Humanitarian and Rescue Unit (UHR) which was created in 1999 by the Central American Armed Forces Conference.

In an earthquake in January and February 2001, the UHR rescued hundreds of Salvadorans from debris and destruction.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said last Thursday the UN peacekeepers in Haiti urgently need reinforcements to cope with surging violence in the Caribbean country.

The new round of violence erupted on Sept. 30 as supporters of Haiti's former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide stepped up protests, demanding his return from exile in South Africa and an end to the "invasion" of foreign troops, a reference to US Marineswho arrived as Aristide left in February and the UN peacekeepers who took over in June.