Iran renews call for nuke-free Mideast

Iranian Ambassador to Japan Abbas Araqchi has reiterated the Islamic Republic’s support for the emergence of a nuclear-free Middle East.

Addressing the 22nd UN Conference on Disarmament Issues in the Japanese city of Saitama on Friday, the Iranian diplomat highlighted Iran’s readiness to cooperate for its realization, IRNA reported.

“The idea of a nuclear-free Middle East was primarily put forth by Iran in 1974; there have been numerous international resolutions in support of the initiative since then,” Araqchi said.

The Iranian envoy made a reference to Israel which is widely assumed to harbor nuclear weapons.

“The Zionist regime is oblivious of the global demands for its disarmament and has shown a harsh reaction to such requirements,” Araqchi said.

“It is the only obstacle in the way of a nuclear-free Middle East,” he added.

Araqchi further pointed out that the UN needed to take appropriate measures against Israel and any other countries that refuse to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He made the comments on the closing day of the three-day conference before the approximately 60 participants who had attended.

The public conference was meant to raise awareness and support for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

It also assessed the outcome of the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the NPT and addressed ways to make progress in achieving nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.