The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Moscow

Russia and the United States will sign a long awaited civilian nuclear cooperation pact on Tuesday, the last full day of Vladimir Putin's presidency, a Russian official said.

The deal will allow the former Cold War foes to widen cooperation in areas such as a uranium bank and the storage of nuclear materials and let them work together on advanced reactor programs.

"The agreement will be signed on Tuesday in Moscow," the official said on condition his name was not used. "It is symbolic that it will be signed on the last day of Vladimir Putin's presidential term."