Question: Mr. Under Secretary, what did you discuss today?
U/S Joseph: We had a discussion that covered a broad range of issues. We discussed, in particular, the prospects for working together on peaceful nuclear energy and Egypt's plans to explore this alternative in the future. We also, of course, talked about the non-proliferation threats that we face. We spoke about Iran, we spoke about North Korea, and we spoke about how we need to be resolved in fully implementing the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Question: Are you still ready to support Egypt's nuclear program?
U/S Joseph: Well, we have been very supportive of the idea and we are willing to assist Egypt in exploring this option. We believe that nuclear energy is an important part of the future, not just for industrialized countries but industrializing countries, as well. We are working with a number of countries to move forward in that direction in a way that meets the energy requirements of the countries, in a way that promotes environmental goals and in a way that reduces the risks of proliferation by stopping the spread of sensitive technology associated with enrichment and reprocessing.
Question: Any American reservation regarding the Egyptian nuclear program?
U/S Joseph: Well, again, we think this could be a win-win for us, a win for the United States, a win for Egypt by working together on peaceful nuclear energy.
Question: So, building these Egyptian nuclear facilities, you will help Egyptians realize their goal?
U/S Joseph: Well, I don't thing that Egyptian government has yet made a definitive decision on that. They are exploring the prospect of nuclear energy and we have been very encouraging of them. If they decide to move in that direction, we think that we can form a strategic partnership for the future
Question: Is there a role that Egypt can play to help the United States' policy against Iran?
U/S Joseph: I do not think it is just about what Egypt can do, I think all members of the international community need to follow and need to effectively implement the U.N.Security Council Resolution 1737 that lays out the sanctions on Iran. We need to work together to make sure that Iran understands that there are consequences to its defiance of the international community and Iran must meet the demand of the Security Council Resolution and suspend fully its enrichment and reprocessing activities.
Thank you.
Embassy
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