Status of the Nuclear Programme of Iran

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 218

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER DATED 17 MARCH 2006

MR DHM GIBSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether Iran's nuclear programme is motivated by the need to develop an offensive nuclear capacity: if not, why not; if so, why:

(2) Whether the Government would support Iran if it were to develop a nuclear bomb: if not, why not; if so, why:

(3) Whether Iran poses a threat to regional and/or international security: if not, why not; if so, why;
N233E

REPLY:

(1) Article IV of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) provides for the inalienable right of all States Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with the provisions of the Treaty. According to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the development of its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has to date not found any evidence in Iran of the diversion of capabilities to non-peaceful activities.

(2) No. We believe in a nuclear weapons free world.

(3) Under the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. Whether a particular situation constitutes a threat to international peace and security is therefore a determination to be made by the UN Security Council.