BRICS concerned about threat of military action against Iran

Image
Press Trust of India Durban
Last Updated : Mar 27 2013 | 10:35 PM IST
Amidst US and Israeli warnings that they will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran, BRICS leaders today voiced their concern at the threat of military action against the Islamic Republic.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa leaders also expressed their "deep concern" at the the deteriorating situation in Syria besides stressing that Afghanistan needs a "clear end-state strategy to attain lasting peace and stability".
"We believe there is no alternative to a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. We recognise Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with its international obligations, and support resolution of the issues involved through political and diplomatic means and dialogue, including between the IAEA and Iran and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and consistent with Iran's obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)," the leaders said in the the 'eThekwini' (Durban) Declaration at the end of their Summit here.
"We are concerned about threats of military action as well as unilateral sanctions. We note the recent talks held in Almaty and hope that all outstanding issues relating to Iran's nuclear programme will be resolved through discussions and diplomatic means," they said.
On the issue of Syria, the BRICS called for "Syrian-led political process" to end the two-year-old conflict.
The leaders noted that Afghanistan needs time, development assistance and cooperation, preferential access to world markets, foreign investment and a clear end-state strategy to attain lasting peace and stability.
They underscored the need for more effective regional and international cooperation for the stabilisation of Afghanistan, including by combating terrorism.
"We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism," the declaration said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 27 2013 | 10:35 PM IST

Next Story