Sarkozy: Arabs have nuclear right
But French president says right to nuclear energy should not extend to Iran.
Distribution deal
“It would be giving credit to the current Iranian regime if civilian nuclear energy is only used by western democracies,” he said.
“France tells Iran ‘give up your race for a nuclear weapon – it’s a risk and you don’t really need it’. And, if you [Iran] stop the race for a nuclear weapon, you would have access to civilian nuclear power.”
Sarkozy’s latest comments came as officials revealed Areva, the French nuclear reactor manufacturer, has signed a $700 million electricity distribution and transmission deal with Qatar.
French power firm EDF also signed a memorandum with Qatar “to engage discussions on co-operations in the areas of nuclear power production and renewable energy generation,” the Reuters news agency reported.
France generates the majority of its own energy from nuclear reactors and has been actively seeking deals with Arab countries such as Libya and Egypt.
Several Gulf countries are exploring the option of nuclear energy despite having large oil and gas reserves.
Peace plea
In another possible sign of France expanding its presence in the Gulf, the French newspaper Le Monde reported that Sarkozy may also sign an agreement that would allow the French navy to station vessels in the Arab emirate across the Gulf from Iran.
A source familiar with the issue told Reuters that France and Abu Dhabi would sign an agreement on “the possibility of stationing several naval units in Abu Dhabi” as part of a deal on “improved military co-operation”.
The French president also used his visit in Qatar to urge for progress in the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians.
“The only way to put an end to their [the Palestinians’] suffering is to create – right now – the conditions for a viable Palestinian state,” he told Al Jazeera.
“As you can see, it is possible to be the friend of Israel and the friend of the Palestinians. And let me say this: both peoples are condemned to live together, side by side.
“We must put an end to hatred and division. We need to talk more about love, friendship and reconciliation.”