May 30, 2006 -- The 114-member Nonaligned Movement issued a communique today expressing support for Iran in the standoff over its nuclear program.
The alliance of mostly developing countries emphasizes the right of all states "without any discrimination" to nuclear technology for research and energy production.
The statement was issued after two days of talks by the organization's foreign ministers in Malaysia.
The Nonaligned Movement was created by the Havana Declaration in 1979 and includes members Egypt, Malaysia, and India. Its efforts are largely aimed at promoting the political and economic interests of developing countries. Its membership includes countries containing more than half the world's population.
The United States and allies have accused Iran of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons, while officials in Tehran insist their nuclear program is strictly peaceful. The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has reported Iran to the UN Security Council for misleading the international community and failing to disclose controversial activities.
(compiled from agency reports)
The statement was issued after two days of talks by the organization's foreign ministers in Malaysia.
The Nonaligned Movement was created by the Havana Declaration in 1979 and includes members Egypt, Malaysia, and India. Its efforts are largely aimed at promoting the political and economic interests of developing countries. Its membership includes countries containing more than half the world's population.
The United States and allies have accused Iran of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons, while officials in Tehran insist their nuclear program is strictly peaceful. The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has reported Iran to the UN Security Council for misleading the international community and failing to disclose controversial activities.
(compiled from agency reports)