Politics

NZ politicians back nuclear deal

07:50 am on 4 April 2015

New Zealand politicians are welcoming a breakthrough in negotiations over Iran's controversial nuclear programme.

Murray McCully speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

After a week of intense negotiations, Iran and representatives of six world powers have reached agreement on a framework for a final deal.

Labour MP Phil Goff Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Tehran has agreed in principle to have its uranium enrichment capacity cut by two-thirds and much of its stockpile eliminated.

In return, international sanctions will be gradually lifted.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said he hoped the deal would bring regional stability in the Middle East.

He said the momentum from these talks could lock in a comprehensive deal by the end of June.

Mr McCully hoped the deal would bring regional stability in the Middle East.

Labour's disarmament spokesperson Phil Goff said while the deal was a good step forward, the countries that negotiated it should start disarming their own nuclear weapons.