France has joined Canada (FPN00-27) in indicating that it intends to offer a candidate site for the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). At a meeting July 11 of the Consultative European Committee on Fusion in Brussels, the French delegate announced the Candidature of France for the site of ITER. He said that France intends to offer Cadarache as the site the European Union (EU) might wish to have. Furthermore, it was reported by sources close to the event, it seems clear that Mr. Schwarzenberg, the new French minister for research, intends to put increased emphasis on the development of fusion as an energy source for the future.

Officials at ITER Canada, which had previously indicated their intent to propose a site for ITER in Canada, welcomed the news. They stated, "Overall we can take this as good news for the ITER project, strengthening the probability that it will be constructed. Secondly, it establishes the basis for Canada as the compromise site between Europe and Japan that has been recognized by each of the ITER Parties from the outset. Once ITER Canada has submitted its bid to the federal government and has received the government's endorsement (planned for early next year), then our natural advantages will come into full consideration."

A French source commented, "This change is suprising and predictable at the same time. It would have been suprising if France held itself out of the debates on a grand piece of scienitific equipment like ITER. Given the absence of a European candidate, the isolation of Japan, and the fragility of governmental support for the canadian site, the French - always opportunists - and without any doubt judged that the moment was propitious to throw themselves in the arena. This will certainly change all the facts on the table, because the French will present a candidacy that is very attractive and solid, which will pose a big challenge to ITER-Canada."