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Argentina says

US lifts nuclear

sales restriction

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina said on Friday that the United States removed it from the list of countries to which civilian nuclear exports are restricted.

"The decision reflects the significant progress made by our country in the area of non-proliferation, especially in joining the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the Non-Proliferation Treaty," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The move is also a sign of interest by U.S. companies in making nuclear sales to Argentina, it said.

The announcement comes just over a week after top Syrian officials visited Argentine nuclear sites and discussed the possible purchase of a small reactor.

Argentina says it will only sell to Syria if it progresses in peace talks with Israel and if the sale does not endanger the Middle Eastern peace process.-Reuter