Gulf countries plans centre to monitor nuke radiation

According to Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, the GCC seeks to protect its members against all regional and international threats, achieve economic growth, maintain of a high level of human resources development, and improve crises management.

While addressing the third annual regional seminar on the fight against weapons of mass destruction entitled 'Challenges When Radiological or Nuclear Incidents Happen', Al-Zayani said the GCC countries face a number of regional and international challenges which call for the creation of more opportunities to strengthen cooperation between them and friendly countries.

"It is the right of all countries to possess and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and under its supervision," he said.

He said the GCC countries are planning to establish a centre to monitor nuclear radiation in order to avoid nuclear hazards in the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

Al-Zayani said the GCC gives priority to strengthening and enhancing their joint capabilities, such as the Peninsula Shield Force, the establishment of a regional maritime center and the establishment of an air missile defence which ensures joint response to all biological and radiological threats.

GCC comprises of UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saud Arabia and Kuwait.