Issued by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
An Israeli Foreign Ministry official is reported today (Tuesday) by South African media to have condemned South Africa for entering into a nuclear co-operation agreement with Iran, supposedly for aggressive purposes, which would be a total violation of our commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
I am aware of recent press speculation on such co-operation, which was refuted at that time. I am seeking clarification about this latest news report.
If such a statement was in fact issued on behalf of the Israeli Government in the form in which it has been conveyed in the media here, I would find it regrettable that it has been deemed necessary to issue a public statement of this natureon the eve of my departure for israel. Due to its serious nature, the matter could have been taken up on a bilateral basis to first ascertain its veracity prior to issuing a public statement.
I wish to place categorically on record that South Africa has not entered into any agreement concerning nuclear co-operation with Iran. This will be confirmed by my colleague from Mineral and Energy Affairs, Minister "Pik" Botha.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA 12 SEPTEMBER 1995