Nuclear white paper released

(OSAMA ABUGHANIM)   

 
The UAE Federal Government on Sunday released a white paper on the country’s nuclear energy programme.

The comprehensive document was published after a briefing to ministries and government agencies by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Emirates Palace on Sunday.

The document outlines the country’s approach to the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes in compliance with the policies of international organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Sheikh Abdullah said the paper was intended to introduce the country’s nuclear programme to the international community and domestic organisations, which would have a role in its implementation.

The paper, called The Policy of the United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy, reaffirms the country’s commitment towards agreements covering international nuclear proliferation and other protocols and conventions.

The document was approved by the Federal Cabinet during its meeting on March 23 and passed to the ministry for release.

“In an effort to limit the dangers of proliferation, the Government of the UAE has also adopted a policy renouncing the development of any domestic enrichment or reprocessing capability in favour of long-term arrangements for the external supply of nuclear fuel,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

There would be complete operational transparency, the highest standards of non-proliferation, the highest standards of safety and security, close co-ordination with the IAEA, co-operation with the governments and firms of responsible nuclear supplier nations and a commitment to long-term sustainability, he added.

“These principles have led us to adopt a series of commitments and strategies that are outlined in the policy document and which we believe constitute a useful model, not only for the UAE, but for other states wishing to pursue the benefits of peaceful nuclear power with the full backing and confidence of their population and the international community.”

Sheikh Abdullah named Hamad Al Ka’abi as the ministry’s special representative of International Nuclear Co-operation and announced that an independent federal regulatory authority would be established and new regulations and laws developed before nuclear plants and reactors were built.

Al Ka’abi said that in accordance with IAEA guidance, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation would be established with a funding of Dh375 million to help develop and implement the nuclear plan.