Fears over Saudi nuclear intentions

Canadian officials worried Gulf state may acquire weapons

Canadian officials have expressed private concerns about Saudi Arabia’s nuclear intentions, repeating in internal documents their fears that the Persian Gulf state could try to acquire atomic weapons.

The concerns, raised in briefing notes prepared for Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in advance of a trip to the region last March, were cited as a key reason to reject any Canada-Saudi nuclear cooperation.

The warning highlights the fine line the government must walk as it seeks to increase exports of Canadian nuclear technology and matériel such as uranium, while at the same time ensuring Canada doesn’t contribute to the spread of nuclear weapons.

Officials noted Saudi Arabia plans to install 16 nuclear reactors worth $80 billion over the next 20 years, and the Gulf state has entered into nuclear relations with a number of countries.

“However, minimal (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards are in place in SA to verify peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” the briefing note reads, “and it has refused to accept strengthened safeguards.

“Many observers question Sa’s nuclear intentions, especially if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapons capability,” the note adds. “As a result, SA does not meet Canada’s requirements for nuclear co-operation.”

Iran has been the main focal point when it comes to concerns about nuclear weapons in the Middle East, but a former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to the U.S. hinted in December 2011 the Gulf state could build a nuclear arsenal if it found itself caught between a nuclear-armed Iran and Israel.

Saudi Arabia views Iran and its destabilizing role in the Middle East as a major threat, and it has long warned of the potential for conflict if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon.

The Saudi Embassy in Ottawa did not respond to questions Monday afternoon.

The federal government has made exporting Canadian nuclear technology and uranium a key priority, inking nuclear co-operation agreements with a number of countries, including China, India, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Exports have surpassed $1 billion, and the government would like to see that grow even further.

Saudi Arabia is also a major commercial partner for Canada in the Gulf region, with two-way trade and investment with the oil-rich kingdom growing substantially over the years.

But Chen Kane, a Washington-based expert on nuclear proliferation in the Middle East at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, said there are major concerns about Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambition.

There is minimal international monitoring within the country, she said, while statements from top Saudi officials have repeatedly indicated the country will pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does the same.

“You actually have statements about it by the highest officials in the country,” she said.

Trevor Findlay, an expert on the nuclear industry and nuclear proliferation at Carleton University, said Saudi Arabia presents a “tricky” case because of questions about its intentions.

The case highlights the complexities associated with trying to become a major — but also responsible — player in the market, he said.