Egypt to build nuclear power plants

8220;Energy security is a major part of building the future for this country and an integral part of Egypt8217;s national security,8221; Mubarak said.

Jordan, Turkey and several Gulf Arab countries have expressed interest in developing nuclear power programmes. Despite declarations of peaceful intentions, there are worries that the countries could be taking the first step toward a dangerous proliferation of nuclear technology in response to Iran8217;s nuclear programme.

The US State Department said Washington would not object to Egypt8217;s programme as long as it respects the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency.