IAEA criticizes Israel's atomic program

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In Vienna, the International Atomic Energy Agency Meeting has passed a resolution directly criticizing Israel and its atomic programme for the first time in 18 years.

Of the 150-nations present at the meeting, 49 voted for the resolution, 45 were against and 16 abstained. The result once again exposed the deep divide gripping I-A-E-A meetings. The United States and its allies consider Iran the greatest proliferation threat fearing that Tehran is trying to achieve the capacity to make nuclear weapons.

While many other nations, particularly Arab and Islamic countries, insist that Israel is the true danger in the Middle East. Israel has refused to admit having such arms, but is universally believed to possess them. Iran hailed the resolution, calling it a "glorious moment."

David Danieli, deputy director of Israel's Atomic Energy Commission, said, " This resolution focuses entirely on one country that has neither violated its obligation under any treaty or international instrument, nor has it threatened any of its neighbors. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not be first to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East region."

Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's representative to the IAEA, said, "Procedurally this is a strong message having been given to Israel, then you will see that the general conference will decide harsh measures against Israel."