Non-aligned states support Iran nuclear position
MALAYSIA: The world's non-aligned states are likely to throw
their weight behind Iran in its nuclear stand-off with the West,
according to a draft statement prepared on Tuesday for a meeting in
Malaysia.
The 114-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is expected later on
Tuesday to adopt the draft text, which makes no criticism of Iran's
nuclear activities and says Tehran is cooperating with nuclear watchdog
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
It stressed the need for cooperation to continue but warned against
any attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
"The ministers reaffirmed the inviolability of peaceful nuclear
activities and that any attack or threat of attack against peaceful
nuclear facilities poses a great danger to human beings and the
environment," said a copy of the draft obtained by Reuters.
"The ministers reaffirmed the basic and inalienable right of all
states to develop research, production and the use of atomic energy for
peaceful purposes, without any discrimination...," it added, calling on
Iran's fuel-cycle policies to be respected.
The statement can still be amended when it goes before the ministers'
final session, but its language has already been toned down after some
objections from U.S. allies Singapore, Jamaica and Chile and it is
expected to be passed.
The United States and its Western allies believe Iran is trying to
build a nuclear bomb, though Tehran insists its atomic programme is
aimed solely at producing energy and has sent Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki to lobby NAM.
Asked on Tuesday if Iran was afraid U.S. forces could attack its
nuclear facilities, Mottaki told reporters: "They are not in the
position to create a new crisis in the region."
Putrajaya, Tuesday, Reuters |