Date: 24/09/2005
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
Title: Minty: Adaptation of Resolution of Implementation of NPT Safeguards Agreement
Statement by South Africa's Governor, Mr Abdul Samad Minty, to the IAEA Board of Governors, following the Adaptation of the Resolution of the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Chairperson,
The resolution that has just been adopted addresses matters of critical importance. It is precisely because of the importance of these issues that we, both in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and in our national capacity, have appealed for more time to be allowed for the process of dialogue and negotiation to yield positive results -- even at this late stage. We realise that this matter can only be resolved if all parties, and I repeat all parties, show the necessary flexibility and commitment to a peaceful settlement.
South Africa abstained on the resolution. Many of us voted in the manner we did due to the time constraint imposed from certain quarters thereby not allowing sufficient time to consult on the far-reaching implications of this resolution and to receive the necessary instruction from capitals.
As members of the Board of Governors and the international community are aware, democratic South Africa, in its national capacity, as well as in the context of NAM, has since joining the Board of Governors in 1995 consistently worked towards securing consensus on all matters dealt by this Board. When we considered this issue during previous sessions of the Board, my delegation, despite objections to certain elements, made every effort, in a spirit of compromise, to secure consensus and preserve the unity of the Board.
Chairperson,
The NAM too, has endeavoured to engage all parties in a transparent and proactive manner, focussing on achieving a consensus outcome that would maintain unity of the Board. It is my delegation's view that such an approach by the developing members of this agency should be reciprocated.
We regret that the Board has not been accorded the same time necessary to attempt to reach a consensus. It is our hope, however, that this will not set a dangerous precedent for future Board decisions.
We express our deep disappointment at the way in which this matter has been dealt with and regret the division caused. Members will agree that the successful implementation of any Board decision required the full support and confidence of all Members of the Agency. It is for this reason that we will continue to emphasise the importance of this Board to adopt consensus decisions so as to preserve the integrity, authority and credibility of the Agency.
It is on record that the Non-Aligned Movement made every effort to secure consensus and requested that the matter be deferred until the November session of the Board. At the last minute yesterday, my delegation requested the drafters of the resolution to allow one week before this issue is considered. This was rejected. South Africa then proposed that we meet today to take a decision on when this item should be considered by the Board.
Unfortunately, all these efforts to provide an opportunity for further consultation in an effort to reach consensus were rejected, forcing the Board to take a decision today.
Chairperson,
Turning to substantive issue on which we have voted, some may wonder if we have lost sight of the big picture. Chair, I am speaking of the unfortunate and possibly serious consequences of this decision.
South Africa has always placed great importance on the role, authority and integrity of the Agency and we would not wish to do anything that would reduce or undermine its work and authority. I hope that we have not endangered and put at risk the necessary verification role of the Agency on the ground. We need the Director-General and the Agency to complete its verification work and this should be our primary concern.
Chairperson, Regardless of the content of this resolution, we urge all parties to continue to exercise the maximum restraint and to work relentlessly for a sustainable and peaceful resolution to this matter through dialogue and negotiations and not to jeopardise the role and responsibility of the Agency.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
24 September 2005
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
Title: Minty: Adaptation of Resolution of Implementation of NPT Safeguards Agreement
Statement by South Africa's Governor, Mr Abdul Samad Minty, to the IAEA Board of Governors, following the Adaptation of the Resolution of the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Chairperson,
The resolution that has just been adopted addresses matters of critical importance. It is precisely because of the importance of these issues that we, both in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and in our national capacity, have appealed for more time to be allowed for the process of dialogue and negotiation to yield positive results -- even at this late stage. We realise that this matter can only be resolved if all parties, and I repeat all parties, show the necessary flexibility and commitment to a peaceful settlement.
South Africa abstained on the resolution. Many of us voted in the manner we did due to the time constraint imposed from certain quarters thereby not allowing sufficient time to consult on the far-reaching implications of this resolution and to receive the necessary instruction from capitals.
As members of the Board of Governors and the international community are aware, democratic South Africa, in its national capacity, as well as in the context of NAM, has since joining the Board of Governors in 1995 consistently worked towards securing consensus on all matters dealt by this Board. When we considered this issue during previous sessions of the Board, my delegation, despite objections to certain elements, made every effort, in a spirit of compromise, to secure consensus and preserve the unity of the Board.
Chairperson,
The NAM too, has endeavoured to engage all parties in a transparent and proactive manner, focussing on achieving a consensus outcome that would maintain unity of the Board. It is my delegation's view that such an approach by the developing members of this agency should be reciprocated.
We regret that the Board has not been accorded the same time necessary to attempt to reach a consensus. It is our hope, however, that this will not set a dangerous precedent for future Board decisions.
We express our deep disappointment at the way in which this matter has been dealt with and regret the division caused. Members will agree that the successful implementation of any Board decision required the full support and confidence of all Members of the Agency. It is for this reason that we will continue to emphasise the importance of this Board to adopt consensus decisions so as to preserve the integrity, authority and credibility of the Agency.
It is on record that the Non-Aligned Movement made every effort to secure consensus and requested that the matter be deferred until the November session of the Board. At the last minute yesterday, my delegation requested the drafters of the resolution to allow one week before this issue is considered. This was rejected. South Africa then proposed that we meet today to take a decision on when this item should be considered by the Board.
Unfortunately, all these efforts to provide an opportunity for further consultation in an effort to reach consensus were rejected, forcing the Board to take a decision today.
Chairperson,
Turning to substantive issue on which we have voted, some may wonder if we have lost sight of the big picture. Chair, I am speaking of the unfortunate and possibly serious consequences of this decision.
South Africa has always placed great importance on the role, authority and integrity of the Agency and we would not wish to do anything that would reduce or undermine its work and authority. I hope that we have not endangered and put at risk the necessary verification role of the Agency on the ground. We need the Director-General and the Agency to complete its verification work and this should be our primary concern.
Chairperson, Regardless of the content of this resolution, we urge all parties to continue to exercise the maximum restraint and to work relentlessly for a sustainable and peaceful resolution to this matter through dialogue and negotiations and not to jeopardise the role and responsibility of the Agency.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
24 September 2005
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