Jordanian King Abdullah II has said that Jordan is seeking nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, local press reported on Friday.

In an interview with an Israeli newspaper, the king said that Jordan "is looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes" and has been discussing it with some Western countries.

When asked about if he saw Iran's nuclear threat, he said that rules governing the nuclear issue have changed in the entire region, although Jordan would like to have a nuclear-free zone in the area, "after this summer (of 2006), everybody is going for nuclear programs."

"The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear program. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) are looking at one, and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes," he said.

He stressed that any country which has a nuclear program should conform to international regulations and should have international regulatory bodies that check to make sure that any nuclear program moves in the right direction.

Source: Xinhua