The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to adopt a balanced and even-handed approach on the Iran nuclear issue to avoid the perception of being discriminatory.

The 114-member grouping, the largest after the United Nations, believes that all parties to the issue "must exercise patience and restraint and should not resort to any action which may escalate into tense situation and create unnecessary confrontation," said a Bernama report.

"NAM would like to reiterate its principled position that non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear technology must be addressed in a balanced and non-discriminatory manner," said Ambassador and Resident Representative of Malaysia to the IAEA Dr Rajmah Hussain.

Dr Rajmah also reiterated the basic and inalienable right of all members states to develop, produce and use atomic energy for peaceful means, without any discrimination and in conformity with their respective legal obligations.

She said this on behalf of the NAM chapter at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting in Vienna yesterday. Malaysia is the current chair of NAM.

Only guarantee

At the same time, NAM maintains its stand that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is "the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons," said Dr Rajmah.

"NAM believes that the only way to resolve the issue is through negotiations and cooperation with the involvement of all necessary parties to promote international confidence with the view to facilitating the agency's work on Iran's nuclear programme," said Dr Rajmah.

The establishment of a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction was especially necessary in the Middle East, she added.

"NAM attaches great importance to the implementation of the various resolutions and decisions of relevant international fora on the establishment of a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in the Middle East," said Dr Rajmah.