India calls for scrutiny of AQ Khan network

Not a bad idea here, but perhaps it’s more of a case of proposing shutting the barn door after the animals have taken to the hills.

India has demanded a scrutiny of the “Pakistan-based AQ Khan network” for greater transparency in non-proliferation.

In his statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Saturday, India’s permanent representative Dr Sheel Kant Sharma called for “greater clarity” regarding clandestine proliferation activities. He singled out the AQ Khan nuclear proliferation network, saying that Pakistan needed to shed greater light on its activities.

“Greater clarity and transparency in this area will serve the objectives of non-proliferation, to which we are all committed,” the Indian representative said. “This would also enhance the IAEA’s credibility.” India also expressed “happiness and relief” that Iran’s controversial nuclear programme was not put to a vote for referral to the UN Security Council at the IAEA meeting. “We are extremely happy and relieved that there was no vote,” a senior Indian official said. The meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors — of which India is a member — even refrained from passing a fresh resolution on Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran claims that its programme is for peaceful purposes, but the US and Europe suspect that it is aimed at building nuclear weapons.

At the nuclear watchdog’s last meeting in September, India had surprisingly sided with the West on a resolution criticising Iran’s nuclear activities and threatening referral to the UN Security Council. India’s vote had caused an uproar in the country, with both government allies and opposition criticising it. The left-wing parties, whose 60 seats in parliament provide crucial support to the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), had vowed to oppose a fresh Indian vote against Iran.

External Affairs Ministry officials claimed that the outcome was the result of a diplomatic campaign launched by India with some other countries, including the US, several European nations, Russia and China. “It has kept the door open for resolving the issue between Iran and the EU-3 through negotiations,” a Foreign Ministry official said.

Indian officials said that the West had the numbers on the 35-member IAEA board to refer the issue to the Security Council, but the “divisive” move would have created fresh tensions in the already-volatile region.

Negotiations between the EU-3 — Britain, France and Germany — and Iran are scheduled to begin early next month. All key players are now discussing a proposal that allows Iran’s enrichment programme to be outsourced to Russia. Tehran has so far opposed this. “Every country has a public position on the issue. However, it remains to be seen how willing they are to be flexible to find a solution,” the Indian official said.

And, just because I can: Khan!!!