Minister for Foreign Affairs on Iran’s decision to resume suspended nuclear research and development
“I am seriously concerned at the unilateral decision by Iran to resume suspended nuclear research and development activities. This step is not in accordance with the spirit or letter of recent IAEA Board of Governors resolutions in respect of Iran's nuclear programme.
In particular, this development is inconsistent with IAEA calls for Iran to re-establish full and sustained suspension of all enrichment activities, pending the restoration of confidence of the international community in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme.
The decision by Iran to resume research greatly jeopardises further talks to find an agreed solution consistent with IAEA Safeguards.
I strongly urge Iran to immediately reconsider their actions and refrain from proceeding with their nuclear programme at this time.”
Note for Editors
Formal negotiations between Iran and the EU3 (Germany, France and Britain) have been suspended due to Iran's decision in August 2005 to resume uranium conversion. This decision is in breach of the Paris Agreement, which provided a framework for comprehensive negotiations to resolve the issues in respect of Iran's nuclear programme.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolution of 24 September found that the history of concealment of Iran's nuclear activities and the nature of these activities have given rise to questions that are within the competence of the Security Council. The Resolution called upon Iran to observe fully its commitments and to return to the negotiating process that has made good progress in the last two years.
A report by the IAEA Director General on 18 November found that 'Iran's full transparency is indispensable and overdue'.
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10th January 2006
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