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Focus more on nuclear proliferation from Pakistan: India to IAEA

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Nov 20, IRNA
India-Iran-IAEA
India welcomed the progress made by the UN nuclear watchdog in obtaining a document related to Iran's nuclear program and expressed hope it will shed more light on the clandestine activities of the Pakistan-based A Q Khan network.

Responding to questions on the Report by the IAEA Director General to its Board of Governors on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in Iran, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said saturday, it vindicated India's stand, expressed on September 24, that more time be given for a satisfactory resolution of ''outstanding issues''.

''The Report notes that IAEA has been able to interview individuals involved in procurement who have not been previously made available. It refers to additional documents being made available to the agency in a variety of areas. It appreciates access being given to sites of interest. Iran's approach has been described as more forthcoming,'' the spokesman said.

''We welcome the progress... The additional documentation and information made available will shed greater light on clandestine activities of 'foreign intermediaries', in particular the Pakistan- based A Q Khan network, that is of utmost concern to India as they have seriously affected our national security,'' he said.

India favored greater clarity and transparency in this area.

''We believe that the principled position that we have taken on focusing on the sources as well as the recipients of clandestine proliferation has contributed to this development''.

India hoped Iran would ''continue to extend necessary cooperation to IAEA'' to enable the agency to resolve outstanding issues, the spokesman said. ''This will contribute to the success of ongoing diplomatic efforts and India believes it is important for all concerned to avoid actions that may undermine these efforts''.

India had voted against Iran in the last round of IAEA meeting on September 24 last. The next vote on the issue is likely on November 24.

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