Middle East News
Jordan wants nuclear programme, says rules have changed (Roundup)
Jan 19, 2007, 17:00 GMT
Tel Aviv - Jordanian King Abdullah II said in remarks published Friday that Jordan was abandoning its 'nuclear-free Middle East policy' and was seeking to develop a nuclear programme for peaceful purposes.
'The rules have changed on the nuclear subject throughout the whole region. Where I think Jordan was saying, 'We'd like to have a nuclear-free zone in the area,' after this summer, everybody is going for nuclear programmes,' Abdullah said in an interview with the Israeli Ha'aretz daily.
'The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear programme. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) are looking at one and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes.'
Abdullah said Jordan had already been discussing its nuclear aspirations with Western leaders.
In an indirect reference to Iran and Israel, he called on all countries to conform to international regulations and allow inspections.
'We want to make sure this is used for energy. What we don't want an arms race to come out of this,' he said.
Initial reaction from the United States to the king's comments was guarded.
In general, the US is 'interested in working with countries that want to pursue peaceful nuclear power for civilian purposes' while complying with international anti-proliferation agreements, said a White House spokesman, Gordon Johndroe.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Welcome to doomsdayJan 19th, 2007 - 18:07:18
And the nightmare begins, Hyper proliferation in the Middle East. Yet another reason Iran needs to be stopped.
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