SA abstains on Iran nuke vote

2005-09-25 08:28

Pretoria - South Africa abstained on the resolution on the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty safeguards agreement in Iran.

The department of foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday night that it had appealed for more time to be allowed for dialogue and negotiation.

"Even at this stage," said Abdul Minty, South Africa's governor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors.

This was done in the country's national capacity as well as in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement, the statement read.

"At the last minute yesterday, my delegation requested the drafters of the resolution to allow one week before this was considered. This was rejected."

The board of IAEA voted earlier on Saturday to condemn Iran for not complying with its Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations, while deferring reporting the issue to the UN Security Council, which can impose sanctions.

- SAPA