UNITED STATES AGREES TO HELP SAUDI ARABIA DEVELOP NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE

Washington, Jun 20, 2008 - “As the world’s largest producer of oil, why would Saudi Arabia want to develop a nuclear infrastructure?” asks Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “In addition, why are we helping them?” Stearns was commenting on a recent agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia to help develop its nuclear infrastructure.

Stearns today joined as a cosponsor of H.R. 6298, Restricting Nuclear Cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Added Stearns, “Now that Iran is working to develop its nuclear capabilities, other nations in the Middle East may feel compelled to develop nuclear weapons as well. Since Saudi Arabia claims that it is interested in developing other sources of energy, I would suggest solar power. After all, Saudi Arabia gets 300 days of sunshine each year. Although we don’t know Saudi intentions, we must be concerned that any nuclear development could lead to nuclear weapons. Our policy should be discouraging nuclear development in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia. As the State Department reported, Saudi donors and ‘charities’ are a major source of funding for terrorist groups over the past 25 years.”

H.R. 6298 would prevent the administration from moving forward with any kind of transfer of nuclear power technology to Saudi Arabia. Since Saudi Arabia appears to be interested in additional energy resources, the bill also encourages the president to establish a solar power development and assistance program with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.