LOC22:45
19:45 GMT
GAZA, Sept 21 (KUNA) -- Israel has rejected Tuesday the call of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for joining the nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
"The UN nuclear watchdog is overstepping its mandate in demanding Israel to
join the NPT," Israel Radio quoted chief of Israel's Atomic Energy Commission
Shaul Horev as saying.
"It is against our interests to join the treaty. Israel is singled out for
taking a decision against its national interests," Horev said.
"Israel is not the only (IAEA) member state that has exercised its
sovereign right not to join the treaty due to national security considerations,
" he argued.
The Arab countries have tabled a draft resolution to the ongoing IAEA
General Conference, calling on Israel to join the treaty and open its nuclear
facilities to international inspectors.
Commenting on the move, Horev said it's nothing but a political campaign by
the Arab countries to defame Israel, adding that this runs counter to the
principles of the international law and the reality of the Middle East.
The 54th Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference is being
held at the headquarters of the UN agency in Vienna between September 20 and
24 amidst heated debates over Israel's nuclear arsenal between the Arab member
countries, backed by Iran, and Israel, backed by its western allies. (end)
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