The murky relationsip between South Africa and Iran continues: Pahad discusses nuclear row with Iranians
Iran on Wednesday started what it termed a "close consultation" with South Africa on the dispute over its nuclear program ahead of a key meeting of the United Nations atomic energy agency. "We believe close consultation between our two countries will help restore peace and stability in each part of the world," Iran's acting foreign minister Mehdi Mostafavi told reporters in Pretoria at the outset of talks. "Our countries have always had positive and constructive negotiations," he said. "And we have always had good negotiations between our two countries in the United Nations and in NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) with regard to nuclear activity." ... "We think this is an excellent opportunity for us to get at least the Iranian understanding of the situation so that when our delegation goes to this meeting, we'll have a holistic picture of what everybody's views are," said Pahad. |
On Wednesday the Cape Times reported
SA has been trying to mediate between Iran and the European powers to prevent a showdown. Foreign affairs minister Nkosazana DIamini-Zuma said after meeting US counterpart Condoleezza Rice in Washington last week that negotiations should continue. The department of foreign affairs said Pahad would meet Mostafavi "to discuss political and economic relations as well as the issue of Iran`s nuclear programme within the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)". |
For more on the ongoing South African diplomatic efforts vis-vis Iran see
Here the US was seeking SA help with Iran
Here South Africa was in new talks with Iran.
Here South Africa side-stepped the Iranians calls to annihilate Israel.
Here we signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral communication with Iran.
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