'Promote The Widest Possible Consensus'

In response to a question on the Iran nuclear issue


In response to a question on the Iran nuclear issue the MEA Official Spokesperson said:

"During the past two weeks, India has been undertaking active consultationswith all key members of the IAEA Board of Governors and with Iran, in order toavoid confrontation and to promote the widest possible consensus on handling theIran nuclear issue. In all these consultations, India has urged:

i) that all concerned countries should avoid confrontation and work inthe spirit of seeking a mutually acceptable solution;

ii) that Iran’s right to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy forits development consistent with its international obligations and commitmentsshould be respected;

iii) Iran’s willingness to work together with the IAEA to remove anyoutstanding issues, about its nuclear programme should be welcomed. In thisregard, the Agency should be allowed to proceed according to its work programmeand submit a detailed report.

India welcomes all initiatives, including from Russia, which could enable aconsensus to be reached on this issue and urges further intensive efforts inthat direction."

New Delhi
January 27, 2006