"If the fuel is of Russian origin, we are ready to propose leasing solutions over the entire lifespan of the nuclear plant," Rosatom chief Sergei Kiriyenko said at an international conference in Paris.

"We would take the spent nuclear fuel for treatment... I think many countries will propose leasing solutions. It's essential to ensure non-proliferation and safety," he added.

Russia has proposed setting up a global uranium enrichment network that would allow countries that want nuclear energy to buy fuel from those with already established civilian nuclear programmes.

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