Envoy calls for end to proliferation

The UAE calls on the UN to develop a nuclear-weapons disarmament plan while promoting peaceful use of atomic energy.

The UAE has called on the UN to develop a nuclear-weapons disarmament plan while promoting the continued peaceful development of atomic energy. Ahmed al Jarman, Ambassador to the UN, told the Disarmament and International Security Committee that there must be a multilateral elimination of military arsenals within the framework of existing disarmament and non-proliferation agreements, the state news agency WAM reported.

"Countries that did not possess those weapons, but wished to do so, should reconsider their position," he said. "The challenges facing international peace and security were compounded not only by the race to acquire arms, but by a backdrop of smuggling arms and dangerous materials, making it possible for dangerous weapons to fall into the hands of extremists." The UAE pointed to its development of nuclear energy as an example of transparency. The strategy, in which it plans to build reactors to meet growing energy needs, was endorsed by Britain, Germany and France after it was released in April.

The UAE has promised to refrain from reprocessing or enriching uranium that could then be used in nuclear weapons. The light-water reactors it expects to build would be incapable of creating weapons-grade nuclear materials. Iran's growing nuclear capacity also drew comment from the ambassador, who said all parties, including Iran, should remain flexible so the issue could be settled peacefully. Iran has continued to develop its nuclear-energy programme and test ballistic missiles.

Iran has said it would discuss halting its uranium-enrichment programme if it were offered a regular supply of nuclear fuel. Meanwhile, Mr Jarman said the UN should pressure Israel to open its nuclear power installations to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. @Email:[e-mail]