South Africa on Wednesday regretted the inability of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conclude that there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Iran.

"We regret the fact that the Agency is not yet in a position to conclude that there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Iran," Abdul Minty, the country's representative on the IAEA, said in a statement issued by the South African Foreign Ministry.

However, Minty said South Africa welcomed the reconfirmation by the agency that all the declared nuclear material in Iran had been accounted for and that the agency had not seen any diversion of such material to nuclear weapons.

Two critical issues of contamination and centrifuge programs " still require further clarification in order to enable the Agency to provide the necessary assurances regarding the nuclear program in Iran," said Minty, who attended a special meeting of IAEA, the United Nations (UN) atomic watchdog, Wednesday in Vienna.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany are seeking a referral of Iranian nuclear issues to the UN Security Council, which has the power to impose economic sanctions.

Washington believes the Iranian nuclear program is hiding efforts to make an atomic bomb. Tehran insists its research is peaceful.

Minty said the clarification of these outstanding issues would continue to require the assistance and cooperation not only of Iran but also of third parties, and "South Africa encourages all concerned to accelerate their cooperation with the agency, to finalize these matters without delay."

South Africa also wanted more vigorous action against those who smuggled nuclear material and technology, Minty said.

"In this regard, in dealing with this illicit network, estimated to be operating in numerous countries worldwide, it is important to tighten controls over nuclear material, technologies and equipment to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and illicit trafficking, and to review existing penalties for such grave offenses," he said.

Minty expressed concern that many of the uncertainties related to the scope and nature of Iran's nuclear program had not been clarified after nearly three years of verification activities.

He said South Africa recognized the inalienable right of all NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) states to utilize the atom for peaceful purposes in conformity with its obligations under the treaty.

But, "South Africa also believes that states with advanced nuclear capabilities have the obligation to build confidence with the international community in the peaceful purposes of their activities," he said.

Source: Xinhua