Govt. officials back Angra III construction

A number of Brazilian government officials are backing the construction of the country's third nuclear power plant Angra III, local news services reported. Science and technology minister Roberto Amaral said the government is seeking partners to assist in developing nuclear programs with Angra III being one of the priorities. "Despite the crisis in resources, we are preparing a revision of the program and restarting projects in 2004," he was quoted as saying by business daily Gazeta Mercantil. Congressman Jamil Murad defended the construction of Angra III, and said that Brazil cannot exit nuclear-generated power just because of financial obstacles. Also, rear admiral Alan Paes Leme Arthou, the director of the Navy's technology center, said that nuclear energy is an important alternative for guaranteeing the country's independence. Federal power company Eletronuclear operates the country's two nuclear plants Angra I and Angra II, located in Rio de Janeiro.