With the aim to allow the U. S. to share nuclear technology with the United Arab Emirates, official backing was given to an agreement by President Barack Obama recently. The move is seen as part of his broader push to encourage and efficiently deal with nuclear power worldwide.

If adhered to the media reports, the agreement could mean billions of dollars for American power companies competing to build the U. A. E.'s first fleet of nuclear reactors.

The bill has to get approval from Congress yet. Some of the U. S.-based firms that have submitted bids for the Emirates' nuclear program include General Electric Co. and Westinghouse Electric Co.

U. A. E is being claimed by the Obama administration as a model for the peaceful development of nuclear power internationally. Abu Dhabi has nodded its head in yes to extensive United Nations inspections of its nuclear facilities. It has also informed that it would buy nuclear fuel from international suppliers.

It has been learnt that the U. A. E has rejected its right to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium that minimizes the risk of nuclear materials being diverted for military purposes.

According to the U. S. officials, "Washington has pledged to assist countries in developing civilian nuclear programs if they commit to these conditions."

The U. A. E. program was addressed by the U. S. officials as a counterexample to Iran's. The officials vision it as aimed at producing nuclear weapons, though Tehran maintains that its program is peaceful.

However, Wednesday saw Mr. Obama announcing that he was sure that U. A. E. agreement would encourage and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security of the U. S.

During his last week in office, former President George W. Bush signed the U. A. E. agreement; however he left it on Mr. Obama to decide whether to send it to Congress or not.

(via TopNews Arab Emirates. Contributed by Akilah Amiri)