Ahern hits out at Iranian nuclear testing

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern today criticised Iran’s decision to resume nuclear research in defiance of international pressure.

Mr Ahern called on the Middle Eastern country to reconsider the move and call a halt to its nuclear programme.

Iran has removed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) seals from its nuclear research facilities, bringing to an end a two-year suspension of its research programme.

The move has been condemned by Europe and the US, who fear the project could be used to build nuclear weapons.

Mr Ahern said the decision was inconsistent with demands by the IAEA – the world’s nuclear energy inspectorate – for Iran to suspend enrichment activities until the international community was confident its nuclear programme was peaceful.

“I am seriously concerned at the unilateral decision by Iran to resume suspended nuclear research and development activities,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

“This step is not in accordance with the spirit or letter of recent IAEA Board of Governors resolutions in respect of Iran’s nuclear programme.

“In particular, this development is inconsistent with IAEA calls for Iran to re-establish full and sustained suspension of all enrichment activities, pending the restoration of confidence of the international community in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme,” he said.

“The decision by Iran to resume research greatly jeopardises further talks to find an agreed solution consistent with IAEA Safeguards.

“I strongly urge Iran to immediately reconsider their actions and refrain from proceeding with their nuclear programme at this time,” he said.