issued National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) of the United States of America
regarding Iran's nuclear intentions and capabilities
7 December 2007
The South African Government has carefully studied the recently issued
National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) of the United States of America (US)
regarding Iran's nuclear intentions and capabilities. South Africa's Governor
on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was
briefed this week by his US counterpart in Vienna and he also had the
opportunity to consult with senior officials at the IAEA.
Among the key judgements of the NIE report is that Iran does not currently
have a nuclear weapon or nuclear weapons programme and that it has to date not
produced sufficient amounts of nuclear material indigenously to manufacture a
nuclear weapon. It also finds that although "Iran made significant progress in
2007 installing centrifuges at Natanz, it is judged with moderate confidence
(that) it still faces significant technical problems operating them".
Furthermore, the report also judges that Iran may not be technically capable of
producing enough uranium for a weapon until after 2015.
This report of the US seems to be consistent with the findings of the IAEA
so far, including that the Agency continues to be able to verify the
non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran, and that the Agency has
been provided with the required nuclear material accountancy reports in
connection with declared nuclear material and activities.
The South African Government believes that this estimate can also contribute
to the process led by the IAEA and through the innovative leadership of the
Director General, Dr Mohammed El Baradei, of obtaining authoritative and
verified information about the precise scale and nature of Iran's nuclear
programme, thereby contributing to building confidence in the peaceful nature
of Iran's nuclear programme.
Although there remain outstanding issues to be dealt with in terms of Iran's
past nuclear activities and it remains essential for Iran to build confidence
in its present and future nuclear programme, South Africa has consistently
called upon the Agency and Iran to accelerate their co-operation in a spirit of
transparency.
Whilst the IAEA verification activities in Iran have placed the
international community on the right path to finally resolve the outstanding
issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, in accordance with the agreed work
plan, it is important that this process should be fully supported without undue
interference and pressure.
The South Africa Government also urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to
utilise this window of opportunity to resolve all the outstanding questions and
issues with the Agency without delay. Through such a course of action we will
place ourselves on the path of peace and reconciliation.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
7 December 2007
Source: SAPA
