LOC10:02
07:02 GMT
MANAMA, March 13 (KUNA) -- Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah,
member of the UN-affiliated Elders' Council, has called for placing Iranian
nuclear reactors under international supervision for safety purposes.
Peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program "does not mean that there is
no possibility that a leakage may occur and contaminate the Arabian Gulf
waters," said Sheikh Dr. Mohammad, addressing a seminar held here late on
Wednesday.
The former foreign minister of Kuwait indicated that a number of most
advanced nations has witnessed accidents at nuclear sites, alluding in part to
the famous Chernobyl reactor accident that left scores of deaths and extensive
damage. He also cited the recent nuclear disaster in Japan.
Kuwait entirely depends on the Gulf waters and any nuclear contamination of
these waters will result in depriving the country of the major source of
water, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad warned, noting that Kuwait had to struggle to
cleanse its environment when the occupation forces of Iraq set afire its oil
installations in the 90s.
Kuwait along with the other GCC states have repeatedly expressed concern at
safety of the Iranian Bushaher nuclear plant.
Turning to the issue of sustainable development, Sheikh Mohammad said this
issue affect regional and international security.
Each country of the world is facing mounting and complex challenges in the
sectors of energy, food and water security, in addition to natural disasters,
draught and famine, the ex-foreign minister said, also alluding to other major
problems namely mass immigration and unemployment.
The United Nations can play a major role in tackling such crises, he
opined, stressing need for taking measures to avert environmental
catastrophes. He cautioned that currently-implemented policies by nations of
the world would lead to further economic instability, slow growth and
deepening flaws in states' economic structures.
The world population is forecast to grow from 7.2 billion to 11 billion in
two decades' time, he said, noting that such dramatic increase of the earth
inhabitants would be seen, particularly, in the South, thus problems such as
poverty and hunger would deepen.
Such challenges and problems can be dealt with by means of development in
the information, communication, alternative eneregy and hereditary
engineering, he said.
The last night seminar was also addressed by Bahraini Minister of Culture
Sheikha Mai Al-Khalifa. It was attended by Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh
Khaled Bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa, Minister of Information Samira Rajab and Dean of
the Diplomatic Corps, the Kuwaiti Ambassador Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah, along with
a number of Arab diplomats. (end)
mga.rk
KUNA 131002 Mar 14NNNN