nuclear related 291007

Egypt to build nuclear power stations

Published: October 29, 2007, 15:13

Cairo: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said his country will launch a programme to build several civilian nuclear power stations.

Speaking on Monday, ahead of the annual congress of his ruling National Democratic Party, Mubarak said, "I declare before you the decision to start a programme to build a number of nuclear power stations to generate electricity."

He did not say when the government would start building the stations but added Egypt would cooperate with the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency and other "international partners".

The United States announced support last year for Egypt's plans to develop peaceful nuclear energy after the idea was floated by Mubarak's politician son Gamal.

Gamal Mubarak said at last year's annual party conference that Egypt would study developing a peaceful nuclear programme to generate electricity.

Opposition groups dismissed his announcement as a media stunt designed to bolster his political credentials.

Source: Gulf News

Bahrain rejects nuclear assistance by Iran

By Habib Toumi

October 24, 2007, 23:44

Manama: Bahrain yesterday turned down an offer from Iran to help establish a nuclear programme for peaceful purposes, saying that cooperation could be achieved only through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

"Manama is proud of its relations with Iran and the keenness of both countries to bolster bilateral relations, but we stress that Bahrain's quest for the peaceful use of nuclear energy is part of a collective drive by the Gulf Cooperation Council," the foreign ministry said.

"Any country or agency keen on offering any form of assistance to Bahrain in the nuclear field should contact the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh," the ministry said.

On Sunday, Hussain Amir Abdollahian, Iran's ambassador to Bahrain, said that Tehran was ready to offer nuclear energy cooperation to Manama.

Expertise

"Iran backs Bahrain's quest to purchase nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and we are ready to provide our expertise to assist Bahrain and the other countries in the Gulf," Abdollahian told journalists.

His cooperation offer was made four days after King Hamad told the parliament that Bahrain would be working with its GCC neighbours and the International Atomic Energy Agency to introduce nuclear energy.

"Based on our keenness to adapt to modern sciences, we have agreed to join the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"This gives Bahrain the opportunity to join the international community and enter ... the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy," he said.

Source: Gulf News