The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs organization announced the election of the Iraqi nuclear scientist specializing in chemical engineering, Hussein Al-Shahristani, as its president. Pugwash Organization is known as an international non-governmental organization that includes an elite group of world scientists interested in disarmament of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The organization was founded in 1957, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995. Its primary goal is to ensure that the world is free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Al-Shahristani previously held the position of Deputy Prime Minister, and also held the positions of Minister of Education and former Minister of Oil. It is noteworthy that this is the first time that an Arab or Muslim has been elected president of the organization. Source: National Iraqi News Agency