Note #9148 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:
06105 Feb. 17, 2006
WCC chief says South Africa can best serve as nuclear watchdog
Regime is credible because it has technology
but has renounced atomic weapons, Kobia says
by Stephen Brown Ecumenical News International
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil - The head of the World Council of Churches says South Africa should be put in charge of countering the spread of nuclear arms, because it has renounced such weapons while having the means to build them.
"If the leadership in trying to prevent countries to go nuclear is led by those who already have nuclear weapons then that leadership is not credible," Kobia told a media conference at the church grouping's 14-23 February Assembly here.
He apparently was referring to efforts by Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. All five countries are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council but are also declared nuclear powers.
"A country like South Africa is the most credible country to lead that campaign," said Kobia, a Methodist from Kenya. "South Africa has all the technology to create these weapons but has decided not to do so."
Kobia said that, if the international community does not find ways of curbing nuclear weapons, "more and more countries will find an excuse for wanting to go nuclear."
During the era of South Africa's racist apartheid policy its former white minority government developed nuclear weapon devices in the 1980s but then dismantled its program during the transition to democratic rule in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The global gathering of delegates from the WCC's more than 340 mainly Protestant, Anglican and Christian Orthodox churches is expected to issue a statement on nuclear disarmament before the meeting concludes on Feb. 23.
"Concern about nuclear arms is back on the international affairs agenda, especially after the failure of a May 2005 review conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," a background document noted.
France on Feb. 16 accused Iran of following a secret military nuclear program, but the Islamic republic has insisted its intentions are peaceful.
Kobia, in his main report on Feb. 15 to the church grouping's Assembly, described nuclear proliferation as "an outrage to all humanity." He said, "The recent reports of the countries acquiring nuclear technology is frightening."
But, he continued, "It is equally a scandal that countries which possess vast arsenals of nuclear weapons are unwilling to renounce their use."
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