U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Susan E. Rice today reported that Iran still refuses to address outstanding issues related to its nclear program.
At a Council briefing on Iran and Resolution 1737, Ms. Rice
stated that the IAEA Director General’s latest report – just released last week – once again highlights Iran’s failure to comply with its international nuclear obligations, and its violations of several UN Security Council resolutions.
“Iran refuses to address outstanding issues related to its nuclear program. The Director General reports that Iran is continuing enrichment and heavy water-related activities in defiance of both this Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. Iran still refuses to respond substantively to information regarding possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program.” -Ms. Rice
She highlighted that Iran’s reported installation of centrifuges at Qom constitutes yet another intentional violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a clear provocation. She stressed that such move is unacceptable.
Ms. Rice emphasized that the United States condemns Iran’s persistent refusal to fulfill its international nuclear obligations. She pointed out that Iran’s actions underscore the continuing necessity of full enforcement of sanctions by the international community in order to motivate Iran to comply with those obligations and to deny Iran the ability to advance in its proscribed programs.
“The United States encourages the 1737 Committee to enhance its efforts to actively implement its mandate. We are pleased that the Committee has concluded its review of the Panel of Expert’s useful and informative Final Report.” -Ms. Rice
Ms. Rice urged the Committee to take steps to complete this work and implement the Panel’s recommendations as soon as possible. She also stressed that the United States government remains seriously concerned that the Panel of Expert’s Final Report has not yet been posted to the Committee’s website.
“We strongly believe this report must be made available to all UN Member States as soon as possible as it highlights information and best practices that can help States carry out their obligations. Furthermore, failure to circulate these documents contravenes the Committee’s commitment to transparency and undermines the entire purpose behind having a Panel of Experts. We urge a prompt solution to this impasse.” -Ms. Rice
She noted that the United States remains dedicated to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. She stressed that Iran’s nuclear intentions are a major concern, not just for the United States, but for the region, for the Council, and for the world.
“Let there be no doubt, the United States is committed to a dual-track policy of applying pressure in pursuit of a diplomatic resolution of international concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.” -Ms. Rice
Ms. Rice underscored that the United States remains committed to working closely with its partners in the 1737 Committee, the Panel of Experts, and this Council on this important issue.
“We have made important progress in strengthening our implementation and enforcement of UN sanctions on Iran. We must redouble our efforts to sharpen the choice for Iran’s leaders to abandon their dangerous course.” -Ms. Rice
