Jordan's King Abdullah II told an Israeli daily Friday that his country wants its own nuclear program. In an interview with Haaretz, Abdullah said Jordan wanted nuclear power "for peaceful purposes" and was already discussing its plans with Western countries.
"The rules governing the nuclear issue have changed in the entire region," the Jordanian monarch told Haaretz, noting that Egypt and several Gulf states have expressed their wish to have a nuclear program.
"The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear program. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) are looking at one, and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes," he told Haaretz. The king noted any country acquiring nuclear facilities should adhere to international regulations and submit to inspection.
"What's expected from us should be a standard across the board. We want to make sure this is used for energy. What we don't want is an arms race to come out of this," he added.
