SYDNEY -- Australia on Friday said it will support the safeguards agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and India, but has reaffirmed that it will not sell uranium to India or any other country that is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "After careful consideration, the Australian government has formed the view that the safeguards agreement is a positive step which will strengthen nuclear non-proliferation efforts and is consistent with the non-proliferation objectives of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said in a statement here.
"The Australian government's position remains very firmly that it will not supply uranium to countries that are not a party to the NPT. Australia strongly supports international efforts to strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and remains committed to universal adherence to the NPT. We will continue to encourage those States not party to the NPT, including India, to join the Treaty," said Smith.
Australia is one of the 35 members of the IAEA board that met in Vienna on Friday. |