Iran's nuclear program negotiation's progress to play significant role all over the world - Dauren Aben

12:33, 25 February 2013

ASTANA. February 25. KAZINFORM "Kazakhstan as one of the few countries that voluntarily renounced nuclear weapons is an example for the states that intend to carry out military nuclear programs," Dauren Aben, the Program Senior Research Fellow for foreign policy and international security of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, told in an interview to Kazinform before the meeting on the Iranian nuclear program.

- Why has Kazakhstan been chosen as the venue for the meeting?

- The choice of Kazakhstan as the venue for the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program between Iran and six world powers of international mediators (the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, USA and France) is not accidental.

First of all Kazakhstan is a strong supporter and active participant of global process of nonproliferation, disarmament, and decreasing of nuclear threat. The decision to give up nuclear weapons provides Kazakhstan security assurance from the nuclear powers, strengthened its international prestige, and created favorable conditions for socio-political and socio-economic development of the young state.

Second, Kazakhstan upholds the civilities between all participants of the negotiations including Iran. Speaking against the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran official Astana does not support the conduct of any military operations against Tehran, insisting on a diplomatic solution to the problem. Within Kazakh-Iranian relationships, Kazakhstan follows pragmatic concept, being interested in expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with one of the largest economies of the Islamic world. Furthermore, as a country with a predominantly Muslim population, Kazakhstan is presented in front of six world powers and Iran as well the most appropriate venue for such talks.

Perhaps another argument in favor of Kazakhstan became the IAEA decision to choose our country as the location of the international bank of low-enriched uranium fuel.

-What aspects of the problem, in your opinion, will be the main focus?

- Apparently, the talks in Almaty, as at the previous meetings, representatives of six world powers and Iran, will focus on discussion of issues related to the provision of IAEA inspectors full access to the Iranian nuclear facilities, primarily to uranium enrichment plants.

- What will be the effect of a successful conclusion of the negotiations?

- Progress achieved during the negotiations could play a significant role in the maintenance of peace not only in the Middle East but throughout the world. Undoubtedly, the success of the negotiations will also further enhance the international image of Kazakhstan as an advocate of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

As reported earlier, in Almaty on February 26 there will be the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program. Representatives of Iran and "six" of international mediators on Iran's nuclear program, including the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, after their mutual consultation decided to negotiate it in Almaty.

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