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Mr Chairman
The best security for us all lies in the effective working of multilateral agreements and institutions. States must respect these.
Mr Chairman
Iran has the right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in conformity with Article 2 of the Treaty. However, despite three years of investigations, the IAEA is as yet unable to provide assurances as to the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. The IAEA’s Board of Governors — part of the multilateral system - called on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment-related activities, in order to allow time for further investigations to take place. This was necessary in order to address the confidence deficit that exists in the international community about Iran’s nuclear programme.
New Zealand has publicly stated its strong concern at the action taken by Iran in deciding to proceed with uranium enrichment-related activities despite the international community’s request that it not do so at this time. We were deeply disappointed that Iran chose to ignore the request of the IAEA Board.
Mr Chairman
Given the confidence deficit which still exists, and given that Iran has chosen not to comply with the resolutions of the IAEA Board, New Zealand supports the course of action proposed by the EU3 plus 3 in reporting this issue to the United Nations Security Council, another part of the multilateral system.
We urge Iran to co-operate fully with the IAEA in its efforts to verify the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We also urge Iran to resume work towards a negotiated solution.
We hope Iran will now respond positively to the concern of the broader international community and act to restore international confidence in its nuclear activities.
