Tunisia and France sign accords on civilian nuclear cooperation

France and Tunisia signed an accord on nuclear cooperation on Monday, the first day of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's state visit to the North African nation. Under the nuclear cooperation deal, France could help Tunisia develop a nuclear power plant. The French leader has said nuclear energy is key to sustainable development and that he is willing to forge partnerships with Arab nations that want it and promise to adhere to the rules governing civilian nuclear technologies. In the past year, Sarkozy has signed such accords with Algeria, Libya, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.