Hans Blix to lead UAE nuclear advisory board

ABU DHABI // The former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Hans Blix, will chair a panel of advisors who will oversee the establishment of the UAE's Dh150 billion atomic energy programme. The Swedish former diplomat and politician, who headed the IAEA for 17 years, will lead the nine-person board, which will meet twice a year, the UAE's official news agency WAM reported today. The International Advisory Board (IAB) will oversee progress of the nation's nuclear energy plan and issue reports on potential improvements to the scheme. The IAB is expected to hold its first meeting later this month and will include other distinguished nuclear experts, such as Lady Barbara Judge, the chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. chamilton@thenational.ae