UPDATE 1-France says wants to work with Germany on nuclear
(Adds quotes, background)
STRAUBING, Germany, June 9 (Reuters) - France wants to work with Germany to produce nuclear energy, President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Monday at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
France, the biggest producer of nuclear power in Europe, is mulling the future of state-owned nuclear energy reactor maker Areva (CEPFi.PA: Quote, Profile, Research).
Siemens AG (SIEGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) has 34 percent of Areva's nuclear power business Areva NP, formerly known as Framatome.
"Siemens has a stake in Framatome which is a unit of Areva. In 2009, there will be decisions to take for all three on the future of their alliance," Sarkozy said.
"The desire of the French is to work with our German friends to produce nuclear energy," he said.
French heavy engineering group Alstom (ALSO.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) has said a tie-up with Areva would make sense for both companies, although the idea raises questions about Siemens' role as the German group is one of Alstom's main competitors in train building.
Siemens said last year it was in talks with Areva about keeping its stake in their nuclear-power joint venture.
Areva has an option until 2011 to buy Siemens out. (Reporting by Emmanuel Jarry; Editing by David Holmes)
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