The Australian Government risks international isolation if it does not overturn plans to sell uranium to Russia, Australian Greens nuclear spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam, said today.

With the United States having cancelled a Nuclear Co-operation Agreement with Russia, citing concerns over military action in the Georgia and across the Caucasus, and with rising disquiet over Russia's nuclear relationship with Iran, an Australia-Russia uranium deal would be dangerously out of step with global opinion.

"Now is not the time for Australia to be pouring petrol on the fire by sending thousands of tonnes of uranium into a geopolitical hotspot," Senator Ludlam said.

"Foreign Minister Stephen Smith's visit to India, starting today, is sure to lift Australia's uranium trade up the political agenda again.

"While the Government's commitment not to directly sell uranium to India, as a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, is a welcome first step, we have a long way to go to get Australia out of this most dangerous global trade.

"As he begins his visit to India, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith can avoid a radioactive foreign policy blunder by immediately cancelling plans to sell Australian uranium to Russia."

Contact: Tim Hollo on 0437 587 562