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SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is on a four day official visit to Iran, says there are many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, but at the same time, there are serious impediments to the development of ties.
Mr Goh noted that Iran is under UN sanctions and whether it agreed with the UN Security Council's decision or not, all UN members are legally obliged to comply with the sanctions imposed by the Council.
So Singaporeans are concerned about Iran's standoff with the international community over its nuclear programme and the risk of further UN sanctions.
Singapore believes that Iran has the right to develop atomic energy for peaceful purposes, but there are serious international concerns about Iran's intentions.
Singapore hopes Iran will comply with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA's safeguards regime.
Mr Goh said while Iran has explained that its nuclear programme is a peaceful one, the IAEA is not fully convinced.
So Singapore hopes Iran will take concrete steps to reassure the international community of its peaceful intentions by complying with its obligations under the NPT and by abiding by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. - CNA/yy
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