At Last -- A Giant Leap for Peaceful Nonproliferation
Oct 21, 2003
News from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation For immediate release - Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Contact Molly Pickett, 202 546-0795 ext.119
The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation today applauded the diplomatic efforts of the foreign ministers of Great Britain, France and Germany who this week convinced the government of Iran to cooperate with international demands regarding its nuclear ambitions.
Iran will sign an additional protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty allowing unannounced inspections of any site and will, for an “interim period,” suspend uranium enrichment activity. Cooperation will ensure the country’s right to peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
The new agreement is the most significant progress in international efforts to persuade Iran to shed light on its nuclear programs before the October 31st deadline set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Successful efforts in Tehran to uphold the Non-Proliferation Treaty are a momentous step forward for diplomacy and negotiation in slowing the spread of weapons of mass destruction,” said Molly Pickett of the Center’s Non-Proliferation Project. “Even an obstinate regime can prove rational if faced with the right combination of carrots and sticks.”
The United States has been at the forefront of international concern that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear energy is a cover for a weapons program and has backed IAEA demands that Iran come clean or face possible sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council. Iran and the United States do not share diplomatic relations, making direct pressure from Europe even more critical. While advocating the same goals, the visit by the Europeans to Tehran was independent of IAEA talks in the country last week.
“Diplomacy is the key tool against proliferation, not preemptive war, as proved in Tehran. It is healthier for the international system and less costly in lives and treasure,” concluded Pickett.
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