August 04, 2007	Saturday	Rajab 19, 1428

RIYADH: Iran is ready to share its nuclear technology with Gulf countries and open its research facilities to create confidence among neighbours and to show them that the country was not on its way to building a nuclear bomb, senior Iranian officials attending a public debate on the Gulf-Iran relations in Doha said.

“Gulf countries know we are not building any nuclear weapons. They rather fear Bushehr plant (currently under construction) may cause an environmental disaster. But we invite them to visit us and to carry out investigations and inspections of our facilities,” Alireza Shaikhattar, deputy foreign Minister for Economic Affairs of Iran told the Dubai-based daily Gulf News.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and other GCC ministers have reiterated environmental concerns in the Gulf, in case of any mishap at the Bushehr plant. Possibility of any US or Israeli attack on the plant on the Gulf coast has added to their concerns.

“Our nuclear plant at Bushehr would have the best available safety standards. We are in search of peaceful and safe nuclear energy, and we are ready to make the Gulf countries or any other country confident by allowing access to the nuclear facilities. Unlike North Korea, we have not come out of the non-proliferation treaty.”