The BRICS on Thursday recognised Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with its international obligations.
In an indirect reference to the sanctions being imposed on Iran by the US and European Union, BRICS leaders said they are concerned about the situation emerging around Iran’s nuclear issue.
“The situation concerning Iran cannot be allowed to escalate into conflict, the disastrous consequences of which will be in no one’s interest,” they said.
The five-member emerging economies’ grouping said in the Delhi Declaration at the conclusion of the 4th BRICS summit that “Iran has a crucial role to play for the peaceful development and prosperity of a region of high political and economic relevance, and we look to it to play its part as a responsible member of the global community.”
The BRICS grouping said it supports the resolution of the issues involved through political and diplomatic means and dialogue between the parties concerned, including between IAEA and Iran. This should be in accordance with the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, they said.
NUCLEAR ALTERNATIVE
Noting that energy based on fossil fuels will continue to dominate the energy mix for the foreseeable future, they said that BRICS will expand the sourcing of clean and renewable energy and use of energy efficient and alternative technologies to meet their increasing demands.
Incidentally, Iran is a major crude oil supplier to India, China and South Africa.
Emphasising the need for international cooperation in the area of safe nuclear energy, they stressed IAEA’s role in the international community’s efforts to enhance nuclear safety standards. This will increase public confidence in nuclear energy as a clean, affordable and safe source of energy, they said.
FOOD, ENERGY SECURITY
Expressing concern over the excessive volatility in commodity prices including those for food energy, the leaders said that this poses additional risks for the recovery of the world economy.
“Improved regulation of the derivatives market for commodities is essential to avoid destabilising impacts on food and energy supplies. We believe that increased energy production capacity and strengthened producer-consumer dialogue that will help in arresting price volatility.”
The BRICS nations also sought a solution to the problems in West Asia, North Africa and Syria through dialogue and efforts of the United Nations.
They also reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN including its Security Council.