Jordan rushes plans for 'civilian' nuclear program
AMMAN Ñ Jordan has ordered intensified efforts to launch a civilian
nuclear program including up to six reactors.
Officials said the goal was to
ensure the operation of Jordan's first nuclear energy reactor by 2017.
"We are very serious about this civilian program and do not want to
wait," an official said.
On Sept. 27, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi directed the Finance Ministry
to secure funding for the Hashemite kingdom's nuclear program.
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Dahabi said the nuclear program
would be a national priority and meet environmental and safety standards.
Jordan has signed nuclear cooperation agreements with a range of
countries, including Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
But Amman has focused on efforts to begin the mining of uranium ore in
cooperation with France.
"Initial results are encouraging," Jordan Atomic Energy Commission
chairman Khaled Toukan said.
Officials said the Jordanian program envisioned the construction of up
to six reactors. They said most of the funding would be obtained through
international institutions.
