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India upset by Iranian nuclear official's comments
By agencies
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Tuesday, 17 January 2006, 20:30 IST
NEW DELHI: India expressed “regret” over comments made by Iran’s top nuclear negotiator that New Delhi received preferential international treatment on nuclear proliferation issues.
According to the official statement of Indian foreign ministry, “We have seen comments made by Ali Larijani regarding India in a recent interview. We regret this reference to India. India is a responsible nuclear weapon state and has always been in compliance with its obligations under international treaties and agreements.”
On January 12, CNN broadcasted an interview with Larijani in which the official asserted Iran's right to pursue peaceful nuclear activities and noted that the country submits to international inspections while several nations that already possess nuclear weapons do not.
"Countries that produce nuclear weapons are neither members of the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nor signatories to the Non-proliferation treaty,” said Larijani. However, a report published on web site of an English daily, Tehran Times, “Iran is an IAEA member and an NPT signatory and its nuclear activities are constantly monitored.”
According to Indian foreign ministry notes, Larijani made a specific reference to India at the end of the interview. India entered into an unprecedented agreement last year with the U.S. that would give it access to advanced civilian nuclear technology. Critics of the deal, noting that India tested atomic weapons in 1998 and has refused to sign the NPT, say the deal will send the wrong message on nonproliferation to other nations.
In September last year, India voted in favor of a resolution at the IAEA drafted by Britain, Germany and France, sometimes called the EU-3, to refer Iran's nuclear program to the United Nations Security Council. India's vote in favor of the motion raised fears domestically that Iran would retaliate by cooling ties that have become closer in the last 10 years.
The Indian response to Larijani's remarks came as the EU-3, the U.S, Russia and China met in London to discuss future action on Iran's nuclear program. Britain, France and Germany joined the United States in calling for the IAEA to refer Iran to the Security Council -- a move that could potentially lead to sanctions.