Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticized that nuclear-armed states have been prioritized for nuclear activities over non-nuclear NPT-designated countries. Reza Najafi made the remarks on Wed. in the ongoing second session of three planned sessions prior to the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty […]
Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticized that nuclear-armed states have been prioritized for nuclear activities over non-nuclear NPT-designated countries.
Reza Najafi made the remarks on Wed. in the ongoing second session of three planned sessions prior to the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The session started on April 23 and will end on May 4 at the United Nations Office in Geneva.
“NPT-designated states have agreed during the review conferences that they should be prioritized for all activities in line with development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but in practice, we see that those nuclear-armed countries that have not signed the NPT have been given the priority in nuclear cooperation,” Najafi said.
Developers of nuclear bombs have no right to use NPT as a pretext to prevent other nations from acquiring nuclear technology, he added.
“The right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and full participation in exchange of nuclear equipment, material and knowledge for peaceful purposes is one of the fundamental objectives of the NPT,” he said. “Therefore, all signatory states in possession of advanced nuclear technology must fully abide with their commitments under the article IV of the treaty.”
Najafi further voiced concern over the efforts made by some signatory states to impose arbitrary restrictions on other members due to some political objectives.
