New Zealand Disarmament and Arms Control Minister Phil Goff expressed Wednesday support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) extraordinary meeting in Vienna to report Iran's nuclear program to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He said the unanimity of the concerns expressed by Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and the United States should send a clear message to Iran.

Goff urged Iran to re-establish its suspension of nuclear- related enrichment activities to comply with earlier IAEA Board of Governors' resolutions.

"Iran has the right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with Article 2 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty," he said, adding, " however it is essential that Iran meets concerns in the international community about aspects of its nuclear program - what IAEA Director General has called 'a confidence deficit'."

"New Zealand supports the course of action proposed by the six countries to report this issue to the UNSC. This is not a formal referral. We hope Iran will now respond positively to the concern of the broader international community and act to restore international confidence in its nuclear activities," said Goff.

Source: Xinhua