Erklärungen in internationalen Organisationen

IAEA Board of Governors meeting starting on 2 February 2006, EU-Statement on Iran

Mr Chairman,

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Serbia and Montenegro, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.

The EU welcomes the adoption of the Resolution on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The broad support for the Resolution underscores the fact that this is not a dispute between Iran and Europe, but between Iran and the international community. The EU does not question the right of Iran to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with its obligations under the NPT, a right which we have consistently reaffirmed.  The dispute is about Iran's failure to build the necessary confidence as to the exclusively peaceful nature of its programme.

As we have consistently stated, the EU believes that the issue can still be solved by negotiations; but this will require a cooperative and transparent approach on the part of the Iranian government with the IAEA, and the return to full suspension. It is therefore of utmost importance to refrain from unilateral moves that might have the potential to aggravate the situation and that could endanger future dialog. The EU remains committed to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue in which the IAEA should play a central role. Involvement of the Security Council does not end the IAEA's responsibilities; on the contrary it strengthens them. The EU will remain fully engaged in this issue.

Thank you Mr. Chairman