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Iran threatens to quit nuclear treaty
 Iran could abandon the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if forced to limit nuclear activities, its hardline president says. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said if the rights of the Iranian people were violated, Iran would "revise its policies". He made the comments in a speech marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. On 4 February, the IAEA decided to report Iran to the UN Security Council over its disputed nuclear programme. It is believed to be the first time Iran has threatened to pull out of the treaty. Addressing huge crowds in Tehran, Mr Ahmadinejad said that Iranian policy was based on the peaceful use of nuclear technology for "industry, medicine and economy". "Until now the Islamic Republic has pursued its nuclear effort within the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Non-Proliferation Treaty," he said. "However, if we see that despite our respect for these regulations you want to violate the rights of the Iranian people, you should understand the Iranian nation will revise its policies," he warned. On 6 February, following the IAEA's decision to report Iran to the UN Security Council, Iran formally told the UN nuclear watchdog to end snap inspections of its nuclear sites by mid-February. It also ordered the IAEA to remove surveillance cameras and indicated it would end its freeze on full uranium enrichment. Leaving the NPT is allowed under the treaty, and would allow a state free to develop nuclear power and weapons without inspection. North Korea announced its withdrawal from the NPT in January 2003, the first state to make such a move. Posted by: lotp 2006-02-12 |
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