25 January 2007
Hans Blix, former head of UNMOVIC and former head of the IAEA, says that Egypt is at least ten years away from a nuclear capability. He is supportive of the country's nuclear ambitions saying that "I think it is desirable for world confidence that nuclear power is being used for peaceful purposes. A good and effective inspection system is needed. I hope Egypt joins as soon as possible." In addition, he urges Egypt to "sign additional protocols allowing for greater inspection oversight."
--"Blix: At Least 10 Years Before Egypt and Jordan Can Launch Nuclear Programs," Associated Press, 25 January 2007.

3 February 2007
U.S. Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Robert Joseph expressed the United States' official support of Egypt's peaceful pursuit of nuclear technology. He states, "The U.S. is encouraging Egypt to go ahead in its peaceful nuclear program." This announcement came following a meeting between Joseph and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.
--"U.S. Supporting Egyptian Peaceful Nuclear Efforts," Xinhua, 3 February 2007.

15 March 2007
The Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Energy, Hasan Yunis, says that the country is "currently training people, preparing the basic infrastructure and fielding sites for its project whose goal is to establish 10 nuclear-powered electricity generating stations across the country." Yunis emphasized the international acclaim that Egypt's nuclear plans are receiving. With such plans moving forward, eight billion Egyptian pounds were invested in the energy sector during the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
--"Egypt's Peaceful Nuclear Programme Receives Acclaim Worldwide," BBC, 15 March 2007.

15 March 2007
In a statement made by the World Bank Executive Director, Mohamed Kamel Amr, the "bank is ready to finance any Egyptian peaceful nuclear energy ventures if the government asked for it. Egypt's status inside the World Bank is strong now and has the potential to obtain any of the banks loans."
--"World Bank Ready to Finance Egyptian Nuclear Energy Ventures," IPR Strategic Business Information Database, 15 March 2007.

27 March 2007
At the recent Arab summit, Egypt proposed a plan "to forge closer military and security ties as well as cooperation on developing nuclear energy." It was not immediately clear what level of cooperation Egypt was seeking regarding nuclear issues. The proposal also calls for "a comprehensive review of the nuclear issues in the region" and that "member countries should develop their own nuclear strategies."
--Salah Nasrawi, "Arab Summit to Consider Plan for Closer Military and Security Cooperation," Associated Press, 27 March 2007.

29 March 2007
The Egyptian minister of Electricity and Energy, Hasan Yunis, denies reports that the country is bowing to foreign pressure to suspend work on its nuclear program. He adds that "nuclear energy is one of the substitutes that are being studied to provide energy, and as soon as results are out, they will be referred to the People's Assembly and the Shura Council." He also adds that Egypt's exploration of its nuclear energy prospects have not stopped since it was originally announced by Egyptian President Mubarak.
--"Electricity Minister Denies Foreign Pressure to Halt Egypt's Nuclear Plans," BBC, 29 March 2007.

10 April 2007
According to the Russian Minister of Industry and Energy, Russia and Egypt are drafting an agreement to work together in the field of nuclear energy. "The Federal Agency for Nuclear Power and Egypt's Ministry of Electricity and Energy are drafting new documents on cooperation in this field. We believe this not only corresponds to the spirit of our relations, but is also in line with the understanding of prospects for energy development in the long term," says Viktor Khristenko, the Russian Minister. The Russian news agency RIA Novosti is also claiming that Egypt has plans to build "three 600 megawatt nuclear plants."
--"Egypt and Russia Drafting Nuclear Cooperation Agreements- Russian Minister," RIA Novosti, 10 April 2007; "Russia May Help Egypt Build Nuclear Plant," UPI Energy, 10 April 2007.

17 April 2007
An Egyptian nuclear engineer who worked for Egypt's Atomic Energy Agency (AEA) is arrested and charged with spying for Israel. The engineer, Mohammed Sayed Saber Ali, is accused of delivering "important and secret information" about the AEA and one of Egypt's nuclear reactors to "Israeli intelligence elements." He is also said to have been in possession of a laptop equipped with coded software used for espionage which he allegedly received from persons affiliated with the Israeli intelligence service. The Israeli Foreign Ministry is skeptical about the accusations; Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev was quoted as saying "Unfortunately, all too often we see stories like this out of the Egyptian capitol, stories which in the end prove to be totally without foundation."
--Mona el-Naggar, "Egyptian Nuclear Engineer is Charged with Spying for Israel," New York Times, 17 April 2007; "Egyptian, foreign nationals referred to trial for spying for Israel," BBC, 17 April 2007.

17-19 April 2007
Egypt has charged three men with spying on their nuclear program for Israel. The accused include Mohammed Sayed Saber Ali of Egypt, Brian Peter of Ireland and Shiro Izo of Japan. The Egyptian authorities claim that Ali had "stolen important documents from the Atomic Energy Agency and passed them on to the Israeli intelligence service Mossad for $17,000 and a laptop." It is not immediately clear what role the other two men played and they have not been detained by Egyptian authorities yet. The Israeli embassy spokesman Benny Sharoni said "All that we know about this matter comes from the media. Up to the present, we have no official Egyptian information on the subject."
--"Egypt Arrests Nuclear Engineer 'Working for Israel'," Agence France Presse, 17 April 2007; "'Nuclear Spy' Arrested In Egypt," BBC, 17 April 2007; "Nuclear Engineer Charged with Spying for Israel," in Open Source Center document FEA20070417116762, 17 April 2007; "Egypt; Nuclear Engineer Charged as Spy," Los Angeles Times, 18 April 2007; "Egypt Paper Views New Espionage Case, Calls for 'Iron Hand' Treatment of Spies," in Open Source Center document GMP20070419007002, 19 April 2007.

19 April 2007
The Egyptian and Russian governments have agreed on a cooperation protocol for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. While the protocol still has to be signed, the Russian ambassador to Egypt said that the agreement only covers the exchange of expertise and research, not the actual setting up of nuclear power plants.
--"Egypt, Russia Draw up Nuclear Cooperation Protocol-Envoy," BBC, 19 April 2007.

25 April 2007
Following the recent case of espionage in Egypt, the country has decided to tighten control over its nuclear program. According to Cairo's Al-Misriyun newspaper, the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority will begin to monitor its employees more rigorously and censor its reports. The paper also learned that there is a trend "in the coming stage to merge all agencies and departments related to the Egyptian nuclear program and to put them under the supervision of the High Council of Energy."
--"Egypt to Tighten Security Surrounding Nuclear Information," in Open Source Center document GMP20070425950015, 25 April 2007.

1 May 2007
Egypt will participate in the first preparatory meeting of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. At the meeting Egypt will present a paper on "the importance of disarming nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The paper will underline the importance of freeing the Middle East of weapons of mass destruction." The paper will also claim that Israel has defied the will of the international community.
--"Egypt Insists on Adding Israel to NPT," IPR Strategic Business Information Database, 1 May 2007.

10 June 2007
Results from Egypt's technical studies on their proposed nuclear power plant in Dahab have been sent to the IAEA. The IAEA will review these studies and present Egypt with technical assistance based on the results and on Egypt's needs.
--"Egypt Studies of Egyptian Nuclear Station Sent to IAEA," InfoProd, 10 June 2007.

25 June 2007
Mohammed Sayyed Saber, an Egyptian atomic engineer was sentenced to 25 years in jail for spying for Israel and selling Egypt's nuclear secrets. Saber's sentence was the harshest possible under Egyptian law. Saber pleaded not guilty to the charges and maintained that any information he had handed over was already public. He denied claims that he was a spy and insists he informed the Egyptian government of all his actions.
--Alain Navarro, "Egypt jails engineer for spying for Israel," Agence France Presse, 25 June 2007.

26 June 2007
Egypt sentenced Brian Peter, an Irish citizen, to life imprisonment in absentia. Peter was found guilty of spying on Egypt's nuclear program for Israel. The Irishman was convicted for spying in connection with Mohammad Sayyed Saber, an Egyptian and Shiro Izo, a Japanese man.
--Mary Fitzgerald, "Irishman sentenced to life in absentia for spying," The Irish Times, 26 June 2007.

10 July 2007
Egypt's Prime Minister, Ahmad Nazif, stated that the country's Supreme Energy Council was in the process of preparing a study to assess the best way to develop and utilize nuclear energy in the country. The Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Energy announced that the studies related to its pursuit of nuclear energy will be completed by the end of 2007. The Prime Minister said "it is not just about building a nuclear plant. It is rather about qualifying Egypt to become a nuclear energy country."
--"Egypt to Finalize Nuclear Studies by the End of 2007- Minister," BBC, 10 July 2007; "Egypt Studies Use of Peaceful Nuclear Energy," BBC, 19 July 2007.

13 August 2007
Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Sayyid Mish'al refuted claims that the country has uranium enrichment laboratories. He stated that such rumors were "aimed at striking Egypt's stability in favor of antagonistic powers." He asserted that both of Egypt's nuclear reactors were used for peaceful, legal purposes.
--"Minister denies Egypt has uranium-enrichment laboratories," BBC, 13 August 2007.

21 September 2007
The IAEA has moved to endorse a draft resolution calling for the establishment of a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in the Middle East. Although the IAEA endorsed Egypt's proposal, there were states who did not share in this support. Egypt has stated it will continue to call for such a zone until it becomes a reality.
--"Egypt welcomes IAEA endorsement of draft resolution on nuclear-free Mideast," BBC, 21 September 2007.

21 September 2007
Egypt is protesting the stance of the European Union (EU) regarding the country's proposal to the IAEA calling for IAEA standards to be applied to all Middle East states. While a majority of the 53 members voted in favor of Egypt's resolution, the United States and Israel opposed the proposal with the EU (excluding Ireland) abstaining. Egypt's resolution also called on the states of the Middle East not to develop nuclear weapons.
--"Egypt protests EU stance on IAEA resolution, says EU contradicts its principles," BBC, 21 September 2007; "Egypt criticizes EU for nuclear vote stance," The Irish Times, 22 September 2007; "Egypt regrets Western backtracking on supporting nuclear-free-Mideast," BBC, 22 September 2007.

25 October 2007
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced his country's intentions to pursue nuclear energy on Monday, saying "We believe that energy security is a major part of building the future for this country and an integral part of Egypt's national security system." This announcement is notable as it is the first on the topic by the President himself. The idea of nuclear power was raised last year by the President's son, Gamal Mubarak, who is widely believed to be the successor to President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt faces a growing energy demand, with consumption increasing by a rate of about 7 percent per year. President Mubarak made clear during his announcement that Egypt's nuclear program would be carried out in concert with international partners as well as the IAEA and will be "within a framework of transparency and respect of communities to the nuclear non-proliferation system." Following the President's announcement, the U.S. Ambassador to Cairo, Francis Ricciardone, conveyed the United States' support for the Egyptian nuclear program saying that the United States was ready to help Egypt with technology and expertise.
--"President Mubarak reviews Egypt's national energy strategy," BBC, 25 October 2007; "Egypt to set up nuclear power plants in cooperation with IAEA-president," BBC, 29 October 2007; Michael Slackman, "Egypt: Mubarak Revives Nuclear Program," New York Times, 30 October 2007; Andrew England, "Egypt Announces Nuclear Energy Plans," Financial Times, 30 October 2007; Jeffrey Fleishman, "Egypt plans several nuclear power plants," Los Angeles Times, 30 October 2007; "Egypt to build nuke plants," Northern Territory News, 31 October 2007; "Egypt, EC prepare memorandum of understanding for cooperation in energy domain," BBC, 1 November 2007; Diplomatic effort important to follow Egypt nuclear plan announcement- official," BBC," 1 November 2007; Dan Murphy, "Middle East racing to nuclear power," Christian Science Monitor, 1 November 2007; "Envoy says USA "fully ready" to assist Egypt in its Nuclear Plans," BBC, 1 November 2007.

29 October 2007
Hassan Yunis, the Egyptian Electricity Minister said that the country's draft of their unified nuclear law will be finalized soon. This law will cover aspects of law pertaining to activating the Egyptian nuclear security and worker permits.
--"Egypt to finalize draft nuclear law soon- power minister," BBC, 29 October 2007.

30 October 2007
According to Hassan Yunis, Egyptian Minister of Electricity, "Nuclear Safety is a top priority for the Egyptian nuclear programme for peaceful purposes." In this statement he added that Egypt will choose an international consultancy house to complete the process necessary to choose sites for Egypt's nuclear stations.
--"Egyptian Minister says nuclear safety "top priority"," BBC, 30 October 2007.

1 November 2007
Following Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's announcement of his country's nuclear energy plans, the Egyptian cabinet approved the formation of a supreme council to cover issues regarding peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
--"Egyptian cabinet approves presidential decree on peaceful use of nuclear energy," BBC, 1 November 2007.

1 November 2007
The European Commission's Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy, Benita-Ferrero Waldner, announced they are ready to help Egypt with nuclear safety following Egyptian President Mubarak's declaration of his intent to construct nuclear reactors in Egypt.
--"Egypt, EC prepare memorandum of understanding for cooperation in energy domain," BBC, 1 November 2007.

2 November 2007
Egyptian Minister of Electricity, Hasan Yunis announced that of the 17 studies required to find sites for the country's nuclear reactors, 13 have been completed, with the remaining four underway. He also refused to disclose the fate of the Daba`a site, saying only that it remained property of the Nuclear Energy Commission.
--"Egyptian minister says studies to find site for nuclear plants continue," BBC, 2 November 2007.

3 November 2007
The Egyptian Minister of State for Economic Development, Usaman Muhammad Usman says the Egyptian government is actively pursuing the financial credits necessary to establish the country's planned nuclear energy station.
--"Egyptian government plan includes nuclear energy station-official," BBC, 3 November 2007.

7 November 2007
In light of Egypt's nuclear aspirations, a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Egypt on 20 December 2007. The visit will cover issues relating to cooperation between the IAEA and Egypt on their nuclear program and tangible future steps for each party.
--"IAEA delegation to visit Egypt 20 December- Egyptian Official," BBC, 7 December 2007.

9 November 2007
Egypt's foreign minister, Ahmad Abu-al-Gayt expressed his country's approval for Saudi Arabia's proposal to form a regional complex for enriched uranium. Although doubtful, he expressed hope that Iran would agree to the proposal.
--"Egypt supports Saudi uranium proposal," BBC, 9 November 2007.

9 November 2007
The Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister, Avigdor Lieberman told the Jerusalem Post that "if Egypt and Saudi Arabia begin nuclear programs this can bring an apocalyptic scenario upon us. Their intentions should be taken seriously and the declarations being made now are to prepare the world for when they decide to actually do it." The Israeli minister's remark followed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's announcement that Egypt planned to pursue a nuclear program last month.
--"'Apocalyptic scenario' if Egypt, Saudis start nuclear programs Lieberman warns. Strategic Affairs minister says he also fears Pakistani nukes falling into 'radical hands'," Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2007.

26 November 2007
Egyptian state news agency MENA reports that Russia has agreed to provide Egypt with "nuclear know-how and technical expertise." This announcement by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak comes on the heels of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's declaration of his country's intention to build several nuclear power plants to meet Egypt's growing energy needs.
--"Egypt: Russia agrees to provide nuclear know-how," Reuters, 26 November 2007.

	Updated January 2008