Global IssuesDisarmamentEnvironmentHuman RightsInternational SecurityInternational OrganisationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastNorth AmericaPacific
New Zealand intervention
Mr Chairman
I wish to echo those who have expressed concern regarding the situation as described in the Director General’s Report on the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. New Zealand continues to share the concerns of the international community about the questions that remain regarding Iran's nuclear programme.
We note with concern that the “alleged studies” on the green salt project, high explosives testing and the missile re-entry vehicle remains a matter of serious concern for the IAEA. While we acknowledge that the Agency has yet to detect the actual use of nuclear material with respect to the alleged studies, we reiterate the Director General’s call that it is essential that Iran provide all requested information and clarification sought in the report without further delay.
Clarification of the nature and military dimension of the alleged studies, provision of information on the circumstances of the acquisition of the uranium metal document, and clarification of procurement activities of military related institutions, as well as clarification of the production of nuclear equipment and components by companies belonging to defence industries, is critical to an assessment of Iran’s past and present nuclear programme. We hope that, with Iran’s active cooperation, the Agency’s continuing efforts will result in the early resolution of all aspects of the outstanding issues.
Mr Chairman
We remain deeply concerned about Iran's failure to comply with the provisions of UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions, particularly in relation to the calls for them to suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activities, and by their failure to implement the Additional Protocol and to reconsider the decision to suspend implementation of the modified text of their Subsidiary Arrangements under modified Code 3.1.
We note also that work on the construction of the IR-40 reactor and operation of the Heavy Water Production plant is ongoing, and that Iran has begun the installation of a new generation centrifuge. We endorse the Director General’s call for Iran to comply with all IAEA Board of Governors decisions and UN Security Council resolutions without delay.
Mr Chairman, we recognise that the Agency has been able to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran and has accounted for its declared nuclear material and activities. Iran’s efforts on its declared nuclear programme, however, are undermined by Iran’s lack of implementation of the Additional Protocol and failure to reconsider suspension of the implementation of the modified text of their Subsidiary Arrangements under modified Code 3.1.
These elements leave the Agency in a position where they are not able to make progress towards credible assurances about the absence of undeclared material and activities in Iran.
This is especially important in the light of the many years of undeclared activities in Iran and the confidence deficit created as a result. We join with the Director General in urging Iran to implement all necessary measures called for by the Board of Governors and the UN Security Council to build confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
New Zealand continues to strongly support a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear programme based on Iran’s compliance with IAEA and UNSC requirements. Iran must play its part to realise this outcome.
Thank you Mr Chairman
