Bush cancels civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Russia

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
In a pointed but mostly symbolic expression of displeasure with Moscow, US President George W. Bush on Monday canceled a once-celebrated civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Russia. Bush sent the agreement to Congress for approval in May, after a much-heralded signing by the two nations that capped two years of tough negotiations. On Monday, the president officially pulled it back, a move announced by US Secretary of State Condoleeezza Rice. "We make this decision with regret," said Rice, in a statement read by spokesman Sean McCormack. "Unfortunately, given the current environment, the time is not right for this agreement. We will reevaluate the situation at a later date, as we follow developments closely."