Nuclear Energy Conference begins in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The Nuclear Energy Conference commenced on Monday with a strong emphasis on disarming Iran and the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the UAE and the region.

Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address focusing on the future need for nuclear energy and the country's commitment to a peaceful nuclear program.

“By 2020 we will have a shortfall of 15,000 mega watts. Nuclear Energy is the best option to cover that shortfall,'' Gargash said. “We will insist on safety and security because after all we can not afford anything else but that,'' The minister added.

David Miliband, British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, delivered a keynote address stressing the importance of pressuring Iran to come clean with its nuclear ambitions.

“A Middle East free of nuclear weapons is by definition critical to our vision. Iran however is going down a different path. It continues to enrich uranium in breach of five United Nations Security Council resolutions,'' Miliband said.

The three-day conference, being held at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, includes prominent guest speakers such as former United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix, who personally travelled to Iraq to investigate allegations of Weapons of Mass Destruction in 2003.