N-programme to be transparent

The UAE's nuclear programme is geared towards meeting domestic energy demand.

Studies and evaluations have concluded that a peaceful nuclear programme will be more than capable of coping with this increasing demand, which is expected to triple by 2020, Ambassador Hamad Ali Al Ka'abi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA.

Alternative and renewable options are also promising, but they cannot meet the growing internal demand for electricity. Nuclear power plants are reliable and provide large amounts of energy. The UAE takes this option very seriously; a nuclear programme involves obvious sensitivities, which the UAE intends to deal with a safe, secure and transparent programme, he said.

The UAE is committed to working with the IAEA. It is also committed to transparency and openness, which are crucial to public understanding of the policy decisions and steps undertaken by the UAE. A comprehensive institutional framework is being set up, as well as a nuclear law to regulate all nuclear activities.

The UAE Government has established the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.

The UAE is also committed to NPT and other international agreements. The UAE also supports the IAEA in developing a network of fuel suppliers, as illustrated by the UAE's donation of $10 million (Dh36.7m) to the nuclear fuel bank.

Preventing the dissemination of radioactive materials and the proper management of nuclear waste are of the highest importance, said Al Kaabi.

The UAE serves as a model for those countries seeking nuclear energy with the full support of the international community, based on the principles of safety, security and non-proliferation, and in line with the world's best practices.

The UAE also aims to set new standards in the field of nuclear energy generation, added Al Kaabi.