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Foreign Minster Westerwelle welcomes IAEA resolution on Iranian nuclear programme
The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has adopted a resolution on the Iranian nuclear programme once again urging Iran to clarify any unresolved issues regarding its nuclear programme.
In this connection Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement in Islamabad today (18 November):
“I welcome today’s IAEA resolution on the Iranian nuclear programme. It is particularly encouraging that the resolution, which was jointly submitted by Germany, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia and China for the first time, was adopted by an overwhelming majority.
The resolution emphasizes the international community’s deep concern about the possible military dimension of the Iranian nuclear programme. It demonstrates that the E3+3 remains united and determined to prevail upon Iran to fulfil its obligations under international law.
If Iran continues to reject serious negotiations on its nuclear programme, new sanctions will be inevitable.
Iran must make a choice between serious cooperation and international isolation. The offer of dialogue from the E3+3 remains on the table. It is now up to Iran to take the initiative.”
The resolution was jointly submitted by the E3+3 and adopted in the Board of Governors with 32 votes in favour, two against and one abstention. This is the IAEA Board of Governor’s answer to the Director General’s report on Iran of 8 November listing the country’s wide range of activities that indicate the possible existence of a nuclear weapons programme. The IAEA believes that the information contained in the report is correct and credible.
The EU is currently preparing to step up sanctions against Iran.
