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Cairo: Egypt's recent announcement of reviving its nuclear programme is aimed at boosting the public image of Jamal Mubarak, the 43-year-old son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, according to pro-democracy activists.
"The hype, which surrounded unveiling the programme, gives the impression that it is a publicity ploy to promote Jamal and introduce him as a likely heir to the ruler," said Osama Al Ghazali Harb, an ex-member of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).
"This hype has made observers relate the announcement of the programme to the issue of rule inheritance," Harb told Gulf News.
On September 19, the younger Mubarak told an annual conference of the governing party that Egypt would revive its plan to generate nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Days later, his father confirmed the decision, saying the aim is to meet the nation's rising demand for energy.
"This conference and the declaration about shift to nuclear technology were designed to present Jamal as a national hero," said George Ishaq of the protest group Kefaya (Enough). "In what capacity did Jamal unveil this programme? Has a public referendum been called concerning this vital project?" asked Ishaq.
Jamal, who heads the influential Policies Committee of the ruling party, and his father have repeatedly denied claims that he [Jamal] is being groomed to take over. Mubarak, 77, has been in power for 25 years and has never named a vice-president, a post he held when his predecessor Anwar Al Sadat was slain by militants in 1981.
Energy debate
"Jamal does not need his image to be polished. He is already in the news as a senior official in the ruling party," Jahad Ouda, a member of the NDP, told Gulf News.
"When the party discussed nuclear energy, it did so while debating other sources of energy." Aouda, a professor of political science, asserts that there is a difference between Egypt's nuclear agenda and Iran's. "Iran's nuclear programme is pursued within a military strategy whereas Egypt's plan comes within a development-oriented context."
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