The work papers of the National Democratic Party Congress include energy and national security, particularly after the historic decision taken by President Hosni Mubarak to build a number of nuclear power stations. Mubarak's decision was on time given that it coincides with the 50th anniversary of establishing the Atomic Energy Authority to make use of this energy in the peaceful scientific, medical, industrial, agricultural purposes. The issue of energy is part and parcel of Egypt's national security. Mubarak confirmed that the immense increase which Egypt realized in the last three decades in the production of oil and energy does not cover our needs in the near future.

In addition, the State subsidizes energy at a cost of LE 50 billion, exceeding the volume of expenditure in the fields of education and health services. Egypt's strategy in the fields of the peaceful use of atomic energy is based on the service of the community and the purposes of the continued development in addition to protecting the Egyptian environment against the risks of radiation.

By announcing the peaceful nuclear program of Egypt, Mubarak confirmed that Egypt adopts the highest levels of political transparency and that its program is under the full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Editorial, Al Akhbar

5/11/2007