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Initiatives by the South African Government with regard to the
USA's threatened Military Action against Iran NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR
ORAL REPLY QUESTION NO: 10 PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION
PAPER 3 DATED 20 FEBRUARY 2007 Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) to ask the Minister
of Foreign Affairs: Whether, with regard to the USA's threatened military
action against Iran, any initiatives have been taken by the Government in this
regard; if not, why not; if so, what initiatives?N213E REPLY: Yes. Whilst
noting the military build-up in the Gulf, the Government is not aware of any imminent
unilateral military action being taken against Iran. South Africa supports the
peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue and has consistently reiterated
its view at the relevant international fora that the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) is central to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. For South Africa,
the Agency remains the sole internationally recognized competent authority responsible
for verifying and assuring compliance with safeguards agreements, with a view
to preventing diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons
or other nuclear explosive devices, in accordance with its Statute and safeguards
system. The Agency's verification work in Iran is ongoing and South Africa is
firmly of the view that this matter can be resolved within the framework of the
Agency, provided that the Agency receives the necessary co-operation and support
to clarify all outstanding issues related to the implementation of Iran's Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty safeguards obligations. In all international fora
South Africa will continue to encourage ongoing dialogue and a peaceful resolution
of this issue. The world cannot afford the further escalation of conflict in the
Middle East region and South Africa will continue to work with all parties in
an effort to resolve this issue in a sustainable manner. In resolving the tensions
surrounding Iran's peaceful nuclear programme and to avoid a confrontation, South
Africa believes that it is important to work for an inclusive and sustainable
negotiated agreement that respects the legitimate sovereign interest of all the
parties concerned, as well as the imperative of reducing regional and global conflicts
and tensions. The Government will continue to encourage all initiatives
aimed at restoring confidence in Iran's peaceful nuclear programme, which is critical
in normalising the situation. While South Africa remains strongly committed
to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to their elimination,
we are concerned at certain unilateralist and militarist tendencies.
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