Lab-to-Lab program initiates disposition discussions with Russian counterparts.

• Scientists from U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons laboratories meet to discuss fissile material disposition strategies.
• Russian position: Surplus material is a national asset that can provide the energy necessary to fuel an economic recovery.
• U.S. position: Surplus material is extremely hazardous waste and must be disposed of as rapidly and safely as possible.
• Common ground: Reactors can be used to provide energy (Russian position) and to make the material no more attractive than existing spent fuel (U.S. position).