N-Deal with US Sets New Global Standard

UAE’s Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba, who signed the US-UAE 123 Agreement for Peaceful Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation along with Ellen Tauscher, US Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security, said the agreement supports a new global standard for the development of peaceful, civilian nuclear energy.

“I am delighted to be here today as the agreement on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation between the UAE and the US enters into force. This agreement supports a new global standard for the development of peaceful, civilian nuclear energy, by countries that need nuclear energy for their economic development,” he said.

“The UAE has made a commitment not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel. This means the UAE will not house these sensitive technologies. These commitments are enshrined in the agreement – the first time the US has included them in a bilateral civilian nuclear agreement. We have also signed the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which ensures the most stringent inspections regime. We made these commitments to demonstrate our peaceful goals and to remove any ambiguity about our intentions.

The UAE model will become even more important as the world grapples with how to enforce and strengthen the non-proliferation regime.

“Finally, I want to note that this agreement enhances the already deep strategic relationship between the UAE and the US. I want to acknowledge the Obama administration for its support of the agreement and to especially thank Secretary (Hillary) Clinton and Undersecretary Tauscher. I also offer my appreciation as well to Chairmen Berman and Kennedy for their leadership in facilitating Congressional review of the agreement. Finally, I would also like to thank Secretary Rice and her team with whom we began the 123 process more than two years ago.

“With this and other international agreements and with the upcoming commercial selection, the UAE will move forward with our civilian nuclear energy programme. As we do, we look forward to expanding our partnerships with a range of US companies, experts and government officials.”

• UAE