Israel's PM refuses to sign nuclear arms treaty
Monday 31 May 2010
Printable
EmailIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has snubbed a UN resolution that would force his country to bring its nuclear weapons within the framework of international law.
He signalled his intention to defy the joint declaration by all 189 signatories to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) - including the US - in an interview on Sunday.
The NPT signatories - which do not include Israel - agreed to hold a conference in 2012 with the aim of banning all nukes in the Middle East.
They also urged Israel to sign the NPT and open its nuclear facilities to UN inspectors.
But Mr Netanyahu attempted to divert attention from his country's illegal stockpile by raising the issue of Iran's nuclear programme.
"I thought that was a particularly distorted and flawed resolution because it singled out Israel," Mr Netanyahu said.
"It failed to mention Iran, which brazenly violates the Non-Proliferation Treaty."
Iran isn't thought to have breached the treaty as it allows civil nuclear programmes.
If you have enjoyed this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep publishing your paper.
Editorial
Give peace a chance
Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez has given David Cameron a lesson in diplomacy in her speech to mark the 30th anniversary of the Falklands/Malvinas military conflict.
Features
A generation betrayed
The blame for rising youth unemployment lies in Tory economic policy, says Jeremy Corbyn
Washington: The enemy of free speech
John Pilger on how the Establishment has hounded WikiLeaks whistleblowers