A Minty: International Atomic Energy Agency

13 September 2006

Agenda item 8: Nuclear verification Implementation of Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons (NPT) safeguards in the Islamic Republic of Iran Chairperson,
my delegation associates itself with the statement made on behalf of the
Non-Aligned Movement on this agenda item. We thank the Director-General for his
report on the "Implementation of NPT Safeguards in the Islamic Republic of
Iran," as contained in document GOV/2006/53 and commend the Director-General
and the Department of Safeguards for their dedication and commitment to clarify
the remaining safeguards issues relevant to Iran’s peaceful nuclear
programme.

My delegation has noted the co-operation extended by the Iranian authorities
to the Director-General and his staff, in particular in providing the agency
with access to nuclear material and facilities and in providing the required
reports.
Chairperson, South Africa, however, notes from the Director-General’s report
that there remains very little progress in solving the outstanding safeguards
issues. My delegation is particularly disappointed to note that no further
progress has been made by the agency in its efforts to verify the correctness
and completeness of Iran’s declarations, which would enable it to confirm the
peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Notwithstanding the involvement of other organs of the United Nations in the
issue of Iran’s nuclear programme, the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) remains the sole competent authority responsible for verifying and
assuring, in accordance with its Statute, Iran’s compliance with its safeguards
agreement. If we are to preserve the integrity, authority and credibility of
the agency to confirm the peaceful nature of our respective nuclear programmes,
there rests a responsibility on all of us to fully co-operate with the agency
in a pro-active and prompt manner.

Chairperson,

At our previous board meeting in June 2006, South Africa expressed the hope
that Iran will carefully consider and in due time respond to the proposal made
by the European Union on behalf of the Permanent Members of the Security
Council and Germany. We welcome the response by Iran on 22 August 2006 and its
decision to engage in “serious” talks with these nations on their proposal. We
are encouraged by the preliminary discussions that have been taking place
during the last few days. For the first time since August 2005, there seems to
be a real possibility of resuming negotiations with the view to resolving
differences. My delegation has always supported the efforts towards finding a
sustainable, long-term agreement that takes full account of the rights,
obligations, concerns, needs and legitimate aspirations of all the parties
involved.

South Africa strongly believes that we cannot afford a further major crisis
in a region of high tension, conflict and instability and a general lack of
security, as well as massive suffering on the part of ordinary citizens. We
believe that if all parties concerned continue to de-escalate the process,
exercise maximum restraint and show the necessary flexibility, any differences
can be resolved without the need to resort to confrontation and coercive
measures. It is our hope that we will all act in a manner that would build the
necessary trust and confidence to normalise this complex matter. The Board will
have to remain seized of this matter and honourably discharge the agency’s
responsibilities.

Thank you, Chairperson.

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 September 2006