12 countries including Pakistan side with Iran on the issue of attack on nuclear facilities

Twelve countries, including Iran, have called for a ban on attacks or threats of attacks on nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes. This was called for in a joint statement given to the United Nations General Assembly.

The statement was presented at the first committee meeting of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on October 23. It called for an unequivocal stand against any attack on nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

All states have the right to research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination, the statement said. Attacks on nuclear facilities are contrary to the principles of the UN Charter, international law and the IAEA Constitution. It also contradicts the aims and objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Twelve countries have warned that an attack on a nuclear facility could lead to the release of radioactive materials. It threatens to have serious and long-term harmful effects on the lives of civilians and the environment beyond the borders of the countries concerned. Such an attack could also threaten nuclear security and international cooperation.

The statement also referred to UN Security Council Resolution 487 of 1981. The resolution condemned military attacks on nuclear facilities.

The countries that signed the statement are Belarus, Burkina Faso, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Zimbabwe. The last part of the statement said, under no circumstances should nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes be targeted for attack or threat of attack. The countries have called on the international community to take a clear stand on this issue.