Annan calls for resumption of Iran-5+1 Group talks
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
United Nations, New York, Dec 20, IRNA
UN-Iran-Nuclear
Outgoing UN Secretary General Kofi Annan here Tuesday called for resumption of talks between Iran and the 5+1 Group on Tehran's peaceful nuclear program.
Annan made the call at a farewell news conference while referring to the stalled talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Russia, China, Britain, France and the US -- plus Germany.
Asked to comment by an IRNA reporter on the double standards practiced by certain states in view of the recent admission by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview on German TV of Israel possessing nuclear weapons, Annan said nuclear countries should strive to be a model for other states.
Disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons should be be a goal of all countries, he said, adding that the goal becomes elusive when nuclear powers keep their nuclear weapons on the pretext they need them to defend themselves which leads other states to make similar claims.
Annan said Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and should stand up to its commitments under rules and regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the UN Security Council.
Annan's second term in office ends on December 31. He will be replaced by South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon.
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