Marinka’s Weblog

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is ratified in 1970. The development of a civilian nuclear power program is explicitly allowed under the terms of the NPT, however, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that Iran has been pursuing a nuclear weapons program, in violation of the NPT. They are alarmed by the recent Iranian non co-operation that makes it impossible to conduct adequate inspections to ensure that the technology is not being diverted for weapons to use. Adopting resolution 1696 (2006) on the 31^st of July, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council demanded Iran to suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development. In December the Council imposed a series of sanctions for Iran’s non-compliance with IAEA Board resolutions requiring a voluntary suspension of enrichment.

The Republic of Bolivia is facing an ongoing criticism because it’s determined to broaden and strengthen comprehensive, particularly political and economic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is the opinion of the Republic of Bolivia that the noticeable achievements of Iran in technological field are of great importance for the Bolivian nation. That’s the reason why the authorities are endorsing a set of energy cooperation agreements with Iran. More precisely the country of Bolivia ratified three memorandums of understanding, one framework accord and a joint declaration. These accords have been concentrated strictly in the commercial and productive area. The Republic of Bolivia stresses the right to have and maintain diplomatic relations with Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The Republic of Bolivia has signed resolution 1540 (2004), under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, that prohibits the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to non-state actors. Bolivia’s firm and continued policy has been not to provide any kind of support to non-State bodies that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons that might be used as weapons of mass destruction. The Bolivian nation also established appropriate controls over WMD-related materials.

The Bolivian government strongly believes that Iran is developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Iran has signed the Additional Protocol to Safeguards Agreements (INFCIRC/540) on 18 December 2003. They have offered not only to ratify the Additional Protocol, but to implement several transparency measures on its nuclear program. This signature constitutes an important step towards Iran’s full and prompt compliance with its international obligations. Moreover, signing the Additional Protocol is an important building block in establishing the international community’s confidence that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful of nature.

The Republic of Bolivia calls upon the rights of developing countries to develop a civilian nuclear power program. Nuclear power is still a way to modernize and diversify a nations energy sources.

The main purpose of the United Nations, as it is stated in article 1 of the UN Charter, is “to maintain international peace and security”. Moreover, according to articles 12 (Chapter IV) and 24 (Chapter V) of the UN Charter, the Security Council of the United Nations has a primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Nevertheless, the Republic of Bolivia believes that Iran’s peaceful nuclear program poses no threat to international peace and security. Therefore, the Bolivian government stresses that dealing with the issue in the Security Council was inappropriate and void of any legal basis or practical utility. But the authorities of Bolivia strongly emphasizes their obedience to the United Nations’ resolutions, which question the Iranian program. The international community can rest assured that Bolivia’s foreign policy is dedicated to peace with equality and social justice. The country will not support any nuclear project for war-related purposes. Concluding, the Bolivian nation wants to stress that Iran is not forming an anti-U.S. group with Bolivia and other Latin America countries.

Deeply concerned about the growing international nervosity and condemnation, the Republic of Bolivia highly recommends a diplomatic, negotiated solution that guarantees exclusively peaceful purposes for Iran’s nuclear program. Moreover, the Bolivian nation fully believes in strengthening further international cooperation in the safe development and use of nuclear energy. The government is noting the usefulness of bilateral and multilateral arrangements on information exchange in this area. A peaceful and fair solution could be attained, if all the parties concerned, showed flexibility, wisdom and a sense of responsibility. Bolivia also encourages the Iranian willingness to cooperate on nuclear issues in order to achieve a total transparency. Iran’s nuclear plans should remain under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, adopting the Additional Protocol.

Again the Bolivian government wants to emphasize the need for further cooperation. We strongly recommend that dialogue between the United Nations and the Government of Iran must be continued at all times. The Republic of Bolivia further underscores their commitment and willingness to promote political actions to build a multi-polar world to guarantee a balanced and democratic international relationship.