Sarkozy Confirms Plans For UAE Nuclear Deal: Paper

DUBAI (Reuters) – French President Nicolas Sarkozy confirmed on Sunday plans to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates amid reports French firms could construct up to two nuclear reactors there.

Sarkozy said in an interview with pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat before a three-day visit to Gulf states: “My visit to the United Arab Emirates will be … the occasion to sign an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.


“I have said often that the Muslim world does not have less rights than the rest of the world to use civilian nuclear power to meet its energy needs in full conformity with the obligations that derive from international law,” Sarkozy added.

French companies Areva, Total and Suez could build two, third-generation nuclear plants in the United Arab Emirates, Jazeera Television said on Sunday.

Reuters