Consensus on the “Application of IAEA Safeguards in the Middle East” Resolution is broken in the IAEA

For the first time since 1991, the “Application of IAEA Safeguards in the Middle East” is put to a vote at the request of Israel after Oman requested, on behalf of the Arab states for the resolution on “Israeli nuclear capabilities and threat” to be included in the agenda of the IAEA General Conference’s 50th session. The resolution on the “Application of IAEA Safeguards in the Middle East” passed with 89 votes in favour, two against (Israel and United States), and three abstentions. The resolution on “Israeli nuclear capabilities and threat” was ultimately not put to a vote after Canada moved to adjourn the debate, thereby taking no action on the draft resolution. This move was backed by 45 states.

Photo credit: IAEA/Dean Calma

Conference President, Mr. Abdul Samad Minty presiding over the 50th regular session of the IAEA General Conference. September 21, 2006