US Congress reviews civilian nuke deal with Vietnam

The U.S. Congress on Thursday began its review of a civilian nuclear deal with Vietnam that allows for American export of civilian nuclear technology and facilities to the Southeast Asian nation. President Barack Obama submitted the agreement to Congress on Thursday, which he approved in February, the State Department said in a statement. The deal will enter into force if Congress comes up with no objection within 90 days, under which Washington can transfer reactors and know-how to Vietnam, while Hanoi has pledged not to enrich its own uranium but acquire what it needs on the international market. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said last year that Vietnam' s nuclear-power program would grow to 50 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.