Iran has a right to a peaceful nuke program: Mukherjee

Tehran, July 29 : Stating that Iran has a right to engage in a peaceful nuclear programme, as long as it respects international obligations, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee today told ANI TV that New Delhi is not in favour of any state (read United States) committing an act of aggression against another on alleged grounds or unproven grounds of nuclear proliferation.

"Every state has a right to pursue its peaceful nuclear programme in compliance with international laws and treaties," said Mukherjee on the sidelines of the 15th ministerial summit of the 114-member group being held in Iranian capital.

Mukherjee's remarks come days after Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali Hosseini said that a special committee has been formed to review Iran's nuclear program.

"NAM states have long supported Iran's right to develop civilian nuclear technology which Iran is determined to pursue," Hosseini said.

Hosseini said the conference will support Iran's stance in the latest nuclear talks with great powers, which were held earlier this month.

The Non-Aligned Movement is a major supporter of Iran's efforts to access peaceful nuclear technology and have issued several statements concerning the issue at international venues, most notably at IAEA Board of Governors' meetings.

NAM has drawn international attention to Iran's voluntary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Islamic republic's efforts to gain the trust of the international community.

Iran has repeatedly said that the country is entitled to have enrichment program as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

NAM represents nearly two-thirds of United Nations' members and comprises 55 percent of the world population, mostly in developing countries.

It includes India, Ghana, Pakistan, Algeria, Libya, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Indonesia, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, post-1994 South Africa, Iran, and Malaysia.

Brazil has not been a formal member of the movement, but shares many of the aims of NAM and frequently sends observers to the Non-Aligned Movement's summits. By Naveen Kapoor

ANI