UAE Calls to Stop Israeli Nuclear Installations

Published October 25th, 2001 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

The United Arab of Emirates (UAE) called on Wednesday for a cessation of all scientific, technological and financial assistance aimed at developing the Israeli military nuclear installations in the Middle East, Emirate’s official news agency (WAM) reported. 

UAE activated all possible diplomatic efforts under the UN umbrella to force Israel eliminate its nuclear arsenal and open its nuclear installations for international inspection in accordance with international law. 

Abdul Aziz bin Nasser, UAE's Permanent Representative to the UN, was quoted by the agency as saying that his country stressed on the need for the international community, particularly the influential countries, to exert pressure on the Israeli government to make it stop its nuclear activities. 

Emirates demanded from the UN’s powerful members to put more pressure on Israel in an attempt to drive it to join unconditionally, the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. 

Earlier in July, Arab-Israeli MK Talab Al Sane’ has demanded access to the Dimona nuclear reactor complex to see if it is responsible for the high rate of cancer and other diseases suffered by Bedouins and workers who live nearby. 

Sane’, a member of the Knesset labor and welfare committee, was quoted by reports as saying that he would appeal to the supreme court if he did not get authorization to inspect the site from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.  

"The rate of cancer and other illnesses is higher among Bedouins who live near the reactor and it is my duty as an elected official to find out why," he said.  

Israel has never admitted it has nuclear weapons, but international experts believe the Dimona reactor has allowed the Jewish state to manufacture around 200 nuclear warheads.  

A health official from south Israel, meanwhile, told the Israeli Radio Station, months ago, that the cancer rate among Bedouins in the area was "within the national average" but said there was no information available on the rate among workers at the plant – Albawaba.com

© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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