UAE | General
UAE reiterates support to Irena, peaceful nuclear energy
UAE's commitment not to enrich uranium, reprocess fuels locally are key features.
- WAM
- Published: 13:46 September 27, 2009
- Image Credit: WAM
- UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan addresses the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters on Saturday.
New York: Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed that his country's interest in developing a programme for the peaceful use of nuclear energy stems from its desire to meet its growing needs of energy in the future.
"We are confident that this [peaceful nuclear programme] will provide an opportunity for making a positive change in the international arena," said Shaikh Abdullah in a speech before the 64th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Read the full text of Shaikh Abdullah's speech
He also expressed his country's hopes that developing a peaceful nuclear energy model which complies with the highest standards of transparency in operating the nuclear facilities and fulfils the highest requirements of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other responsible and experienced states, would chart a new course for a large group of countries for the safe use of nuclear energy, with international support.
"The UAE's commitment not to enrich uranium and reprocess fuels locally is among the most salient features of this model. This is a model supported by enhanced international transparency and cooperation mechanisms," he noted.
Expressing pride that the international community has selected Masdar City in Abu Dhabi as a seat for the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), he said the hosting the headquarters of the Irena in Abu Dhabi is a proof of the UAE's entry into the post-oil era and affirms its readiness to shoulder its international responsibilities and help the world to face challenges related to diversifying energy sources.
Related Links
"It also emphasises our keen interest to utilise our petroleum wealth in securing additional sources of energy."
"Masdar City will be an ideal city free from carbon and waste and depends completely on renewable energy. This choice marks a new phase of cooperation and balanced partnership between the north and the south and the developing and developed countries, under the umbrella of this agency."
He renewed the UAE's commitment and readiness to extend the financial and technical resources required for the success of the new agency which will be responsible for developing and disseminating the applications and sources of renewable energy as well as assisting countries, particularly developing and the poorest countries, in reducing their dependence on hydrocarbons.
Shaikh Abdullah also renewed the UAE's disappointment at the continued occupation by the Islamic Republic of Iran of the three UAE islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa since 1971.
"The UAE demands the return of these islands under its full sovereignty, including their regional waters, airspace, continental shelf and their exclusive economic zone, as integral parts of the UAE."
The UAE, he added, also affirms that all military and administrative measures taken by the Iranian Government on these islands are null and void. The UAE also affirms that these measures do not have any legal effect regardless of how long the occupation may last. In this context, we call upon the international community to urge Iran to respond to the peaceful and sincere initiatives of the UAE.
He noted that these initiatives, which are supported and adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as the League of Arab States, call for a just settlement of this issue, either through direct and serious negotiations between the two countries or by referring the issue to the International Court of Justice in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of international law.
Shaikh Abdullah also expressed the UAE's hope that the Iranian Government will respond positively and fairly to this sensitive and important issue "to strengthen neighbourly relations, enhance cooperation and promote common interests between our two countries" ... and "achieve security, stability and prosperity in the region as a whole."
Shaikh Abdullah also expressed the UAE's disappointment at the peace process in the Middle East, which he said had deteriorated due to the continued hostile attitude of the Israeli Government in the Palestinian and Arab territories.
"This has included the suffocating blockade imposed on the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. It also included its continuous challenge of the resolutions of international legality and annexation of more Palestinian and Arab territories."
He welcomed the conservative positions stated by the European Union, members of the Quartet and the international community regarding the Israeli colonies in the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories.
More from UAE General
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
