Egypt renews push for nuclear-free Middle East

Cairo: Egypt has reiterated its demand for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In the run-up to the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna next week, Egypt urged all regional states to accede to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) without exception, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry said full adherence to the treaty would enhance transparency, prevent double standards in dealing with nuclear programs and ease regional tensions.

“Freeing the Middle East from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is an essential step to ensure regional and international security and stability,” the statement noted, adding that it would also curb an arms race that threatens global peace.

Egypt voiced concern over the continued presence of nuclear weapons and called on the international community to take tangible steps to fully enforce NPT commitments.

The statement also referred to Egypt’s role in facilitating renewed cooperation between Iran and the IAEA. Iran signed an agreement on Tuesday to resume collaboration with the agency, following months of suspension triggered by Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities and the killing of its nuclear scientists in June.

Israel’s refusal to join the NPT continues to draw criticism at the United Nations and heightens fears of an arms race in the region.