UAE sets yet another model

Jan.16, 2008

UAE sets yet another model

THE agreement on nuclear co-operation signed by France and the UAE on Tuesday is a landmark in many bilateral and multilateral aspects.
It does not mean that the UAE would move with any haste to begin producing and using nuclear energy. The country will follow a steady and responsible course supported by research and experience and advice of leading international nuclear experts in order to ensure that there will be no room whatsoever for any eyebrows to be raised at its nuclear activities for peaceful purposes in absolute safety and security.
What stands out, as explained by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, is the UAE's firm commitment to follow a sound, well-planned and transparent nuclear programme in close consultation with all the concerned major world powers in the field and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The agreement with France provides for bilateral co-operation in nuclear activities with a view to evaluating and potential use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including power production, water desalination, basic and applied research, agronomy, earth sciences, medicine and industry.
The UAE aims to "create a responsible framework for the evaluation and possible implementation of a peaceful nuclear programme, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of non-proliferation, safety and security," Sheikh Abdullah emphasised.
In yet another important move, the country is also seeking help from the IAEA to devise guidelines for management of radioactive waste in the oil and gas industries.
The nuclear watchdog of the UN will help the UAE in control and prevention in assessing natural radioactive waste originated from the oil and gas industries. The scope of work also includes classification of radioactive waste treatment, review of relevant legislations and assessment of infrastructure for radioactive waste management.
Indeed, the UAE's approach is a model that could be emulated by non-nuclear countries to have in place a nuclear programme for peaceful purposes with full support of the international community.
By adopting the multifaceted approach towards the peaceful use of nuclear energy and by committing itself to abiding by it, the UAE has yet again proved why it could assume a front-line position in the international community in a relatively short period and set an example for others to follow in many other aspects of international life in both bilateral and multilateral spheres.