WASHINGTON 20 Feb (ANA) - The US is rushing to transfer sensitive nuclear power technology to Saudi Arabia, according to a new congressional report.

 

A Democratic-led House panel has launched an inquiry over concerns about the White House plan to build nuclear reactors across the kingdom.

 

Whistleblowers told the panel it could destabilise the Middle East by boosting nuclear weapons proliferation.

 

Firms linked to the president have reportedly pushed for these transfers.

 

The House of Representatives' Oversight Committee report notes that an inquiry into the matter is "particularly critical because the Administration's efforts to transfer sensitive US nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia appear to be ongoing".

 

President Donald Trump met nuclear power developers at the White House on 12 February to discuss building plants in Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia.

 

And Mr Trump's son-in-law, White House adviser Jared Kushner, will be touring the Middle East this month to discuss the economics of the Trump administration's peace plan.

 

Lawmakers have been critical of the plan as it would violate US laws guarding against the transfer of nuclear technology that could be used to support a weapons programme.

 

They also believe giving Saudi Arabia access to nuclear technology would spark a dangerous arms race in the volatile region.

 

Saudi Arabia has said it wants nuclear power in order to diversify its energy sources and help address growing energy needs.

 

But concerns around rival Iran developing nuclear technology are also at play, according to US media. (ANA)

FA/ANA/20 February 2019--------