Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

In the 1960s, it was predicted that there would be over 20 countries with a nuclear capability but due to the NTP that is not the case. I accept there are moves in this respect by quite a number of countries, including Iran and others, but the fact is that the NTP has stood the test of time. Of course, it needs to be reviewed and we strongly support such a review mechanism, as we have said at all UN fora. This deal is yet another element of the ongoing review of the NPT. It could possibly have a significant impact on the treaty despite Dr. Blix's view, as expressed here last September, that he saw no obstacle in the NTP to this deal.

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