SAUDI ARABIA - Dec 11 - Nuclear Energy Is Needed, Says Cabinet.

Saudi Arabia emphasises the economic significance of a joint GCC program to develop nuclear energy technology for peaceful purposes. The Council of Ministers said: Possessing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes has economic and scientific significance". The weekly Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, made the comment while discussing a decision taken on Dec 9 GCC summit in Riyadh calling for a joint study on developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The Cabinet described the two-day "Jaber Summit" of the six-member GCC a success as it took a number of important decisions that would strengthen the organisation and enhance the welfare and progress of GCC citizens. GCC leaders ordered a "GCC-wide study be conducted to formulate a joint program in the field of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, in keeping with international standards and regulations" said the final communique issued by the summit. FM Prince Saud Al-Faisal said the GCC states' intention to pursue civilian nuclear technology was not a "threat" to anyone. "It is not a threat... It is an announcement so that there will be no misinterpretation of what we are doing. We are not doing this secretly. We are doing it openly". During the Cabinet meeting, King Abdullah commended the "spirit of cooperation and brotherhood" that prevailed during the summit. "Frankness, clearness and seriousness were the hallmark of the summit", Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani quoted the king as saying. The Cabinet meeting urged Lebanese groups to show restraint and settle their differences through dialogue, giving priority to national interests. It also called on Palestinian factions to unify their ranks and work for setting up a national unity government. The meeting expressed its deep sorrow over the continuing bloodbath in Iraq and denounced the growing terrorist and criminal operations in the war-torn country. "We look forward to everybody supporting the efforts to end ethnic fighting in Iraq", it said. The Cabinet welcomed the decisions taken by a ministerial committee meeting in Cairo last week that called for an Iraqi national unity conference. It also reviewed the preparations made by the various agencies to organise Haj that begins Dec. 29. Madani said the Cabinet took a number of other decisions. It authorised the foreign minister to sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism. The agreement criminalises those who try to possess radioactive substances or produce or possess equipment with the purpose of killing others or causing harm to environment and properties. The Cabinet authorised the justice minister to hold talks with his Indian counterpart on reaching an agreement for judicial co-operation. It also endorsed an MOU signed with the Philippines on scientific and educational co-operation. It approved the establishment of a joint stock company named Al-Ahli Takaful Company.