John Lyons, Middle East correspondent
THE scene has been set for a race between several Middle Eastern countries to develop a nuclear program after Saudi Arabia yesterday revealed its intention to push ahead with a nuclear industry.
Saudi Arabian Minister for Water and Electricity Abdullah al-Hosain revealed that the country was developing its first nuclear power plant.
The comment was made to local newspaper Al-Watan. Because newspapers in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia are under state control, the comment was seen as an official acknowledgment of what has been speculated about in the region for some time -- that Saudi Arabia was moving into the nuclear power industry.
The development came as Saudi Arabia's rival for supremacy in the region, Iran, surprised the international community by allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit one of its nuclear reactors.
According to the Associated Press, the inspectors were permitted to visit the almost completed Arak heavy water reactor and given greater access to the Natanz uranium enrichment site.
Saudi Arabia's move raises the nuclear stakes in the Middle East. Israel has been pressing the US to place a clear deadline by which Iran must agree to allow international inspectors into all of its nuclear facilities.
Israeli media reported this week that Israel was accusing the UN of hiding evidence that Iran was pursuing plans to develop nuclear weapons. Read more here ...
Source: The Australian
THE scene has been set for a race between several Middle Eastern countries to develop a nuclear program after Saudi Arabia yesterday revealed its intention to push ahead with a nuclear industry.
Saudi Arabian Minister for Water and Electricity Abdullah al-Hosain revealed that the country was developing its first nuclear power plant.
The comment was made to local newspaper Al-Watan. Because newspapers in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia are under state control, the comment was seen as an official acknowledgment of what has been speculated about in the region for some time -- that Saudi Arabia was moving into the nuclear power industry.
The development came as Saudi Arabia's rival for supremacy in the region, Iran, surprised the international community by allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit one of its nuclear reactors.
According to the Associated Press, the inspectors were permitted to visit the almost completed Arak heavy water reactor and given greater access to the Natanz uranium enrichment site.
Saudi Arabia's move raises the nuclear stakes in the Middle East. Israel has been pressing the US to place a clear deadline by which Iran must agree to allow international inspectors into all of its nuclear facilities.
Israeli media reported this week that Israel was accusing the UN of hiding evidence that Iran was pursuing plans to develop nuclear weapons. Read more here ...
Source: The Australian
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