ISTANBUL, Sept 20 — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
At its 69th General Conference on Friday, the resolution proposed by Egypt was approved with 120 votes in favour, none against, and seven abstentions.
The resolution urged all countries in the region to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
It emphasised the "urgent need" for Middle Eastern states to subject all nuclear activities to the IAEA's comprehensive safeguards. The IAEA stressed that such a step would help to strengthen regional peace and security.
It urged all parties concerned to take the necessary steps toward establishing the zone and urged states not to engage in actions that could jeopardise related efforts.
The IAEA also appealed to all countries, particularly those with responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, to facilitate the implementation of the resolution and provide full support to the IAEA Director-General.
Until the zone is established, the resolution demanded that regional countries avoid actions such as developing, producing, testing, or otherwise acquiring nuclear weapons, describing such measures as undermining the goal.
Egypt has been vocal in its calls for a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East.
On September 13, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry reiterated its appeal for universal adherence to the NPT "particularly in the Middle East," arguing that this would ensure all regional states join the Treaty without exception and place their nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight.
It also stressed the critical importance of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, urging the international community to seriously address what it described as a grave threat to humanity posed by nuclear weapons and to ensure the Treaty's full implementation.
