Canadian think tank publishes nuclear guide

OTTAWA: A group of Canadian academics Monday published a comprehensive guide to the who, what, where and how of nuclear energy. The document, entitled "A Guide to Global Nuclear Governance" details treaties, conventions, initiatives and networks that deal with nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security.

It highlights multilateral and bilateral agreements, International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines and codes of conduct, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and US-Russian initiatives, among others. The guide was compiled by Carleton University in Ottawa along with the Centre for International Governance Innovation, Canadian-based think tank founded in 2002 by Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of Blackberry-maker Research In Motion.

The group is "investigating the implications of the purported nuclear energy revival for nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation," it said in a statement. The group is expected to make recommendations on nuclear checks and balances in 2009 for consideration by the international community.