A resolution proposed by 18 Arab member states, expressing concern about Israel’s nuclear arsenal was defeated again, on Thursday, at the annual general conference of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).According to AFP, the measure was rejected by 58 votes to 45, with 27 countries abstaining.
Israel is widely reputed to stockpile nuclear weapons, on several accounts, but has never acknowledged the allegations. The state is a member of the IAEA but is not subject to their inspections, save in a small research facility.
The resolution proposal, which has been rejected on previous occasions, expressed ‘concerns about Israeli nuclear capabilities’ and urged Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and place all of its nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision.
Furthermore, in 2009, the same resolution was narrowly approved by IAEA members but was never followed up, AFP reports.
Arab member states accuse Western countries of double standards, in regard to the issue of nuclear weapons, by not demanding Israeli activities be put under IAEA supervision, while at the same time forcing Iran to honour its obligations under the NPT.
Tehran is alleged, by the West, of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Though it denies the claim, Iran and world powers are in talks to reach a comprehensive nuclear deal by November 24.
(Source: Al Ray)
