Egypt once again called for placing the Israeli nuclear installations under the international safety system, in accordance with international resolutions. Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit said in comments on the meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): "This is a necessary step to implement the Egyptian initiative for a Middle East that is free of nuclear weapons," rejecting selectivity in dealing with the countries of the region. He added that the only way to address nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East is to apply the same criteria for every country, and to take concrete steps towards pushing Israel to join the treaty. Abul-Gheit stressed, in a press statement yesterday, that the time has come for the international community to assume responsibility in this regard, as the conference that will review the Non-Proliferation Treaty will take place in less than a year from now. He said: "Egypt expects concrete results that reflect the good faith of the five nuclear states as regards to global nuclear disarmament, particularly in the Middle East that must have priority."
The Foreign Minister said Egypt has played an important role in forming a unified position for developing countries through the Group of 77, as it was assigned to draft the proposal that will be submitted to IAEA on the initiatives regarding the supply of nuclear fuel.
He said the developing countries insist on a peaceful use of nuclear energy that is guaranteed by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Abul-Gheit welcomed the clear signal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to resolve the outstanding issues of the comprehensive safety agreement, and reiterated Egypt's cooperation with IAEA in light of its legal obligations and commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
