Obama approves UAE civil nuclear deal

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NUCLEAR GO-AHEAD: Obama has approved a deal between the US and the UAE to develop nuclear power for civilian use. (Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama on Thursday approved a civilian nuclear deal with the UAE, which some observers see as striking a contrast with Iran's defiant nuclear drive.

Obama sent the deal, negotiated by the previous Bush administration to Congress, which must now decide within 90 days whether to block the pact, which provides for US-UAE cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

His memorandum to the secretaries of state and energy, certifying that the deal was in US interests, did not mention US disquiet over a video filmed in the UAE that has raised human rights concerns in Congress.

The State Department has previously expressed concern over the video, but has not made a linkage between it and approval of the nuclear accord.

The UAE government has recently said that the person invovled in the alleged human rights abuse has been put under house arrest.

The deal - which comes even as the US is spearheading a campaign against Iran's nuclear drive - involves the exchange of nuclear materials and components for civilian use.

It is the first such deal between the US and a Middle Eastern nation.

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