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UAE Yearbook 2010
referring to the uae s civilian nuclear programme, sheikh abdullah told the united nations general assembly: we are confident that this will provide an opportunity to make a positive change in the international arena. we hope that developing a peaceful nuclear energy model which complies with the highest standards of transparency in operating the nuclear facilities and fulfills the highest requirements of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, in cooperation with the international atomic energy agency and other responsible and experienced states would chart a new course for a large group of countries for the safe use of nuclear energy, with international support. the uae s commitment not to enrich uranium and reprocess fuels locally is among the most salient features of this model. this is a model supported by enhanced international transparency and cooperation mechanisms. the policy supports the principles of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and reflects the uae s position, which calls for making the middle east and the gulf a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons. us president barack obama approved the bush administration-negotiated deal in may 2009, and the usuae 123 agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation came into force in december. the uae also signed a memorandum of cooperation with japan to explore possibilities of developing peaceful nuclear energy. this follows similar agreements with britain and france in the past. the uae has published a policy document evaluating and developing peaceful nuclear energy for civilian usage, emphasising the country s transparent policies and readiness to abide by all related safety and security measures. in a related development, the iaea board of governors approved the uae s ratification of the additional nuclear inspection measures known as the additional protocol, which ensures commitment to the npt. (see chapter on nuclear programme for further information). other international partnerships another key area of uae s cooperation has been in the global fight against terrorism. while emphasising the need for a clear definition of terrorism, the uae has also insisted that state-sponsored terror should not be tolerated. in the process, it has collaborated with countries that have been victims of terrorism through effective information exchange and discussing ways of alleviating social and economic deprivation, which could nurture terrorist recruitment. further, international partnerships have intensified in the areas of money laundering and human trafficking. 47 > foreign policy
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