Statement by

Mr. Heidar Ali Balouji

First Counselor of the Permanent Mission

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

On Inalienable Right for the Use of Technology for Peaceful Purposes

And International Cooperation

Before the Second Session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction

New York, 1 December 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. President,

Following the UN guidelines and the practices on the establishment of a zone free of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, the member states of such a zone may use the respective technology and materials only for peaceful purposes.

In addition, relying on the current related treaties also allows such an expectation. According to the Article IV of the NPT, promoting the full realization of the inherent rights of States Parties to develop and utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is a key component and one of the fundamental objectives of the NPT.

Article X of the BWC and Article XI of the CWC have also envisaged enjoying the respective material and technology for peaceful purposes.

However, it is necessary to highlight that the decisions to impose unilateral and illegal sanctions against civil cooperation projects with developing countries, such as Iran who are the founding member of those same treaties, constitute a clear violation of the obligation of the imposing countries under the related Articles of the said treaty and conventions.

Regrettably, such restrictions are being applied to some of the States Parties to the said treaty and conventions where non-parties to them benefit from nuclear, chemical and biological cooperation that are offered by certain nuclear States. It seems that the latter countries have forgotten the fact that the enshrined peaceful uses and obligations are an integral part of the said treaties and, in fact, disarmament and non-proliferation obligations have been accepted as part of an equilibrium that includes obligations regarding the promotion of international cooperation.

In this context, such a treaty for the Middle East should include a strong and explicit provision enshrining the inalienable right of States Parties for peaceful uses as well as the promotion of international cooperation.

This is a noteworthy issue that deserves to be reflected in both the preamble and the main body of the treaty. In the same token, the relevant article(s) should specify the level of cooperation within the region and among the regional and extra-regional countries.

Substance-wise, the following elements are among other important points that need to be predicted in the treaty.

1- To develop research, production and use of the relevant technologies and materials for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with the prohibitions set out in this Treaty.

2- To facilitate and have the right to participate in the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific as well as technological information for peaceful uses.

3- To ensure that any verification or safeguard activities would not, in any way, hamper the legitimate peaceful uses or their developmental benefits or infringe on the sovereign decisions of States in this regard.

4- To ensure that, under any circumstances, international cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and other related technologies will not be hindered.

In closing, this cluster may have other relevant elements that should be addressed in drafting the treaty. 

I thank you, Mr. President.