Morocco needs to open up on nuclear technologies, minister

The Moroccan economy needs to open up on nuclear technologies because of the energy bill, said on Friday Moroccan Minister of National Education, Higher Education, Cadres Training and Scientific Research.

Morocco has entered a new phase that imposes the mobilization of all energies and diversification of the use of existing technologies that are necessary for its socio-economic development, said Habib El Malki at a meeting in the Center of National energy, sciences, and nuclear techniques (CNESTEN).

Morocco has decided to open up on nuclear energies with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and as part of scientific and technical cooperation with countries such as France and the United States, said the minister.

This choice should be submitted to a control and follow up system in order to meet security needs, he said, recalling the House of Advisors' (upper parliament chamber) adoption of a law in relation to civil responsibility and nuclear risks.

The minister explained that CNESTEN is supported by the government, noting that its budget for 2004 is estimated at 75 millions DHs (around US $8.3 million). He said the State will reinforce in 2005 its support to CNESTEN and will increase its budget to 120 million Dhs (around US $13.3 million).

In addition to its scientific mission, CNESTEN conducts studies and research in sectors of health, water, industry, environment and mining.