UAE calls for ban on weapons of mass destruction

Calling for a ban on the nuclear and other mass destruction weapons, UAE has said it is committed for peaceful use of the atomic energy in accordance with the highest standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.     

"Establishing an effective balance of power in the region will be achieved only if all Middle East (West Asia) countries undertake to ban the use of nuclear and other mass destruction weapons," UAE President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was quoted as saying in a paper that was presented at a symposium here yesterday.     

The paper analysed the country's general policy on the evaluation and potential development of peaceful nuclear energy.

The Emirates has pledged maintaining complete operational transparency in its nuclear trade and commerce, while adhering to the standards set by the IAEA.     

While praising the Emirates nuclear policy Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Abdurrahman termed it as "an important move agreeing with GCC countries" aimed at developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme, with the commitment to full transparency and the highest standards of non-proliferation and of safety and security," the paper said.     

The paper claimed that UAE's nuclear policy has been approved by the US, the UK, China and Finland.