U.S. Lawmakers Press for Monitoring UAE Nuclear Activities as Part of Trade Deal

Some U.S. lawmakers want to see a key U.N. agency more closely monitor nuclear activities in the United Arab Emirates as part of a deal in which Washington assists the Persian Gulf nation with its civil power needs (see GSN, July 15).

Representative Edward Royce (R-Calif.) -- the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee -- last week pressed a senior State Department official to incorporate a provision for using International Atomic Energy Agency surveillance cameras to ensure there is no UAE cheating.

He and Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) said the United States should ensure that UAE leaders agree to near-real-time surveillance of their nuclear sites before transferring sensitive materials and expertise to the nation.