nuclear related 201107

GCC go-ahead for 'transparent' nuclear energy plants

MANAMA

THE establishment and operation of a nuclear energy plant in the GCC will be carried out in a transparent manner and in line with international regulations, it was pledged yesterday.

GCC secretary-general Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah said that it was every country's right to harness nuclear energy.

He was speaking at the opening of the forum.

"This follows international regulations of nuclear energy that it has to be available to all and used peacefully," said Mr Al Attiyah.

"GCC leaders gave the go-ahead for countries to own a nuclear plant on the basis that they operate it in a transparent manner and follow international regulations."

Mr Al Attiyah said that nuclear energy would help the region achieve more progress towards technology.

"Achieving a comprehensive justice and global peace requires counting all countries in the Non-Proliferation Treaty," he said.

"This requires the international community to pressure Israel to join the treaty and allow the international inspection of its nuclear plants."

Mr Al Attiyah stressed that ridding the Gulf and the Middle East from weapons of mass destruction was necessary.

"The racial segregation and coercive displacement of Israelis in Palestine has reached to a depressing and tense situation, which has weakened security in the region," he said.

Source: Gulf Daily News