Energy Blast - Nov 4, 2009

Russia is planning to contribute $6.5 million to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund in 2010-2015, the fund which supports, among others things, the use of nuclear security measures to counter nuclear terrorism.  Satellite photos apparently suggest that Iran has increased production at a uranium mine, emphasizing the necessity of broader UN inspections.  Russia is showing no hesitation regarding the Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran, according to Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Seyed Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi.  Siberia-oriented oil group Exillon Energy is hoping to become the first major Russian company to list on the London Stock Exchange in the 18 months since the financial crisis paralyzed the stock market - envisaging an IPO of $500 million.  Russian state oil company Zarubezhneft has come to a deal with Cuba Petroleos to explore the island's northern coast - a sign of warming relations between the former cold war allies?   This commentator on Reuters believes that talk of a new gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine is more the product of political in-squabbling between Ukrainian presidential rivals, than factual problems.  Bulgaria has issued a warning to Russia to guarantee the safety of the Black Sea beaches if the country is to continue cooperation in a Russian trans-Balkan pipeline.