S/PV.6502 Security Council

I am very pleased to deliver to the Security Council the seventeenth 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), in accordance with paragraph 18 (h) of the resolution. The report covers the period from 10 December 2010 to 22 March 2011, during which time the Committee held two informal consultations — on 10 December and 4 March — and conducted additional work using the silence procedure. On 10 December 2010, under the chairmanship of my predecessor, Ambassador Tsuneo Nishida, the members of the Committee met for the first time with the Panel of Experts appointed under paragraph 29 of resolution 1929 (2010). The Coordinator of the Panel, Ms. Salome Zourabichvili, introduced the Panel’s provisional programme of work, including travel plans, following which members of the Committee outlined their expectations of the Panel’s future activities. The members of the Committee expressed their support for the Panel and its work. On 4 March 2011, under my chairmanship, the members of the Committee received an oral briefing from the Coordinator of the Panel, in which she summarized the key points of the Panel’s interim report of 4 February, which was submitted to the Council, with a copy to the Committee, in accordance with paragraph 29 (d) of resolution 1929 (2010). In the report, the Panel referred to the first eight weeks of its activities, during which it, first, held a series of consultations in Vienna, London, Brussels, Paris and Tokyo to discuss its programme of work and to receive information relevant to its mandate; secondly, investigated a reported violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), which imposes a ban on the export of all arms and related materiel from the Islamic Republic of Iran; and, thirdly, conducted an assessment of Member States’ implementation reports under paragraph 31 of resolution 1929 (2010), which had previously been circulated to the Committee on 1 February. In the course of the discussion that followed the oral briefing by the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts and in the light of the recommendations made by the Panel, the members of the Committee agreed to consider, among other actions, disseminating additional optional guidance on submitting implementation reports, possibly via a note verbale and/or through the Committee’s website, and to periodically organize open briefings at United Nations Headquarters for interested Member States. In following up on the implementation of its own programme of work of 23 July 2010, the Committee agreed to request from Member States additional information about the individuals and entities on the Committee’s consolidated list and to work on updating its guidelines for the conduct of its work. Previously, my predecessor informed the Council of two new cases of reported violations of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), one of which the Panel of Experts had already investigated and independently confirmed with the exemplary cooperation of the reporting State. I would like to inform the Council of two additional reported cases of alleged violations, this time of paragraph 3 of resolution 1737 (2006), which imposes a ban on the export to and procurement by Iran of items that could contribute to enrichment- related, reprocessing or heavy water-related activities by Iran, or to the development of nuclear-weapon delivery systems. These cases are being examined by the Committee and its Panel of Experts. While the increase in the number of reported sanctions violations is a matter of serious concern, Member States’ continuing readiness to report these violations is positive and should be encouraged. Reports of sanctions violations by Member States represent an important source of information regarding patterns of procurement and means of circumventing sanctions. During the current reporting period, the Committee received three notifications — namely, from a Member State with reference to paragraph 5 of resolution 1737 (2006), concerning the delivery of items for use in the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran; from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) pursuant to paragraph 13 (d) of resolution 1737 (2006), which provides for an exemption to the assets freeze for activities directly related to the items specified in paragraphs 3 (b)(i) and 3 (b)(ii) of the resolution; and from a Member State pursuant to paragraph 15 of resolution 1737 (2006), in connection with the receipt and/or unfreezing of funds in order to make a payment due under a contract entered into prior to the listing of an entity. The Committee answered a query from a Member State that sought information on the reasons for the designation of an entity as subject to the assets freeze, as well as clarification on the scope of the finance- related measures, particularly as contained in resolution 1929 (2010). The Committee will shortly answer another query of a similar nature. In accordance with paragraph 18 (b) of resolution 1737 (2006), the Committee has sought certain information from the IAEA. Finally, the Committee concluded the process of consideration of a request for de-listing submitted by an entity through the focal point process outlined in resolution 1730 (2006). The Committee decided that this listing remains appropriate and that therefore the entity remains on the Committee’s consolidated list, and thus remains subject to the assets freeze. That concludes the submission of my report to the Security Council.

I thank Mr. Osorio for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council.

I thank Ambassador Osorio for his briefing today and for his leadership over the past three months. It has now been more than nine months since the Council adopted its sixth resolution on Iran, and its fourth to impose sanctions in response to Iran’s continued refusal to comply with its international nuclear obligations. Unfortunately, once again, when it comes to Iran’s actions, little has changed since the Council met three months ago. Let me make three key points. First, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to report Iran’s ongoing violation of its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Security Council and IAEA safeguards obligations. Most troubling, the Director General has stated that Iran has once again refused to discuss the possible military dimensions to its nuclear programme, including credible reports of Iranian efforts to develop a nuclear warhead — an issue that Iran incorrectly asserts is closed. The report details Iran’s many ongoing failures to cooperate with the Agency’s investigation and its violations of international nuclear obligations, including its failure to suspend enrichment-related activities and its work on heavy water-related projects. After a careful presentation of the facts, the Director General concludes that the Agency is unable to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran, and therefore is unable to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities. This conclusion is cause for grave concern to this Council and the international community at large. Secondly, it is absolutely critical that all Member States continue to take the necessary steps to fully and robustly implement resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010). This includes taking the necessary steps domestically to ensure effective implementation. It also includes submitting national implementation reports and cooperating fully with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and the Panel of Experts. In this regard, we welcome Nigeria’s excellent example of enforcing these measures, including its recent seizure of an Iranian shipment of arms and related materiel and its cooperation with the Committee and Panel in investigating that violation. Recent press reports of other potential violations, such as the Iranian weapons seized on the MV Victoria, underline the continuing need for a high level of vigilance on the part of all Member States. In addition to the important role played by Member States, the 1737 Committee and the Panel of Experts are critical to better implementation and enforcement of the Iran sanctions regime. The United States thanks the Panel for its efforts in the few months that it has been operational. That group has started strongly. We have been impressed by its hard work. The 1737 Committee should be prepared to act quickly to implement the recommendations of the Panel and to take additional steps, in line with its programme of work, to tighten sanctions enforcement. A few weeks ago, my Government hosted the Panel in Washington, D.C., for a series of consultations. We encourage other Member States to take similar steps and do what they can to fully support the Panel’s efforts. Finally, let me reiterate my Government’s commitment to a diplomatic solution. We met with Iran a little more than a month ago with a sincere intent to start a process of meaningful and constructive engagement between the P5+1 and Iran. The P5+1 came to the meeting without preconditions and with specific, practical proposals aimed at building confidence. We made every effort to secure agreement. We had hoped to have a detailed, constructive discussion about those ideas, but instead Iran presented unacceptable preconditions. Iran’s performance in Istanbul was deeply disappointing. We now look to Iran to show the international community that it has decided to address the international community’s serious concerns about its troubling nuclear activities. Our goal remains to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. We remain committed to working closely with our partners in this Council and the international community towards that goal. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): As this is Ambassador Osorio’s first such briefing to the Council, I wish him well in his time as Chair of his important Committee. As he begins that role, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) is well equipped to continue to fulfil its important mandate. The Panel of Experts appointed last year has already begun to play a vital part in promoting the implementation of resolution 1929 (2010). The work of the Committee and its Panel is critical as we pursue the dual-track strategy to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. Iran’s behaviour is correctly identified in today’s report as part of a pattern of deliberate circumvention of sanctions. The two transfers of the proliferation- sensitive goods seized that came before the Committee during the period covered by the report are clear violations by Iran of paragraph 3 of resolution 1737 (2006). We are also extremely concerned by Iran’s violation of the arms export ban imposed by resolution 1747 (2007). Earlier this month, NATO confirmed that weapons seized in a recent operation by Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces in Nimroz, Afghanistan, were supplied by elements within the Iranian regime and were destined for the Taliban. The detailed technical analysis, together with the circumstances of the seizure, leave us in no doubt that the weaponry recovered came from Iran, despite the fact that it was crudely doctored to make it look as though it had originated in a country represented on this Council. This is completely unacceptable and not the behaviour of a responsible neighbour. Supplying weapons of that sort, clearly intended to provide the Taliban with the capability to kill Afghan and ISAF soldiers, is at odds with Iran’s claim that it supports stability and security in Afghanistan. The Committee and its Panel of Experts should examine that case. Moreover, there has been a recent report of the seizure of an arms shipment believed to have originated in Iran. This was the 15 March seizure of the anti-ship weaponry on board the ship MV Victoria. I commend the action taken by the authorities of the interdicting State, and look forward to the Committee and its Panel investigating the cases further. These persistent violations demonstrate the importance of the 1737 Committee in ensuring implementation both by monitoring implementation and by advising States. They also emphasize the vital role of its Panel of Experts in managing its full agenda, investigating the recent reported violations and travelling to key regions to focus on implementation. We support the Committee’s wider outreach efforts to promote implementation. We are pleased that the Committee is considering open briefings to the wider United Nations membership and plans further guidance for States on submitting further implementation reports. While many Member States have acted promptly to adjust their laws and procedures, we would remind those yet to report to the 1737 Committee on measures taken to do so as soon as possible. More complete reporting would help the Panel of Experts to identify any key gaps in implementation. Today’s briefing follows the publication on 25 February of the IAEA’s latest report on Iran. The report reinforces the point that Iran continues to defy multiple Security Council resolutions and documents Iran’s failure to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Like previous reports, it makes clear that Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities or work on its heavy water-related projects. Iran does not need to enrich uranium itself, and the way it is doing so is manifestly inconsistent with the needs of a peaceful nuclear programme. The latest report again shows that the IAEA is still concerned about the possible existence of past or current undisclosed nuclear-related activities involving military-related organizations, including activities relating to the development of a payload for a missile. Iran continues to fail to answer a range of outstanding questions about these issues. The report also says clearly that Iran has not cooperated to such an extent that the Agency’s knowledge about Iran’s enrichment activities continues to diminish. As a consequence, the Agency cannot confirm that all nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful uses. We remain committed to engaging Iran to address these concerns, but it is clear that Iran continues to proliferate and to pursue a nuclear weapons programme. If the dual-track strategy is to succeed, rigorous implementation by States of the measures contained in resolution 1929 (2010) and the Council’s previous resolutions is essential.

May I join others in thanking Ambassador Néstor Osorio for his first briefing in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). As he assumed responsibility for that crucial Committee at the beginning of this year, let me congratulate him on taking over that important task. I assure him that my delegation will support him unconditionally. The Committee plays a vital role in pursuing the dual-track strategy. That strategy can only produce results if the existing measures as agreed by the Council in four resolutions are thoroughly implemented. Germany wishes to express support for the Committee’s work. We welcome the fact that the first meeting of the Committee two weeks ago provided its members with an opportunity to express their concerns and expectations. We welcome the establishment of the Panel of Experts as laid out in resolution 1929 (2010). The Panel is operational and is pursuing its tasks with dedication and commitment. The Panel’s interim report contains a number of practical recommendations. We fully support those useful recommendations, which provide a solid basis for improving the implementation of existing sanctions measures. Let me draw the Council’s attention to three issues mentioned in the report. First, Germany is concerned about the high number of cases of violations recently uncovered and reported to the Committee. Many of those cases involve the extensive delivery of weapons from Iran to unstable regions in West Africa and the Middle East. I join others in expressing our particular concern about two cases that occurred last week and that underline once more the urgency of proper sanctions implementation. We now need a proper assessment of the patterns of sanctions violations to better understand the circumvention of the existing regime. More accurate reporting by Member States will be helpful in that regard. We encourage Member States to cooperate with the Committee and the Panel of Experts and urge them to promptly report incidents of sanctions violations and denials of export licenses in a detailed and comprehensive manner. We welcome the report of the Panel on implementation reporting in accordance with resolution 1929 (2010). That report contains a useful checklist that may enable Member States to improve their reporting practice. Secondly, let me state the obvious: obligations deriving from resolutions of the Council have to be fulfilled by all Member States. We are aware that this requires firm commitment and significant efforts. Best practices may prove to be useful in that regard. I would like to recommend that the Panel of Experts develop a toolbox for best practices concerning the implementation of sanctions. Thirdly, with regard to a proactive outreach campaign with the broader membership, Germany welcomes outreach activities to inform Member States of the current sanctions regime. The efficiency of measures could be improved by providing other States with assistance in developing export-control mechanisms and by pursuing in-reach activities on internal compliance procedures of private companies. Today’s briefing follows the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of the Council’s resolutions on Iran. The report clearly states that Iran has not suspended work on all heavy-water-related projects, which is a violation of the relevant resolutions of the Council. Although it is obliged to suspend all enrichment- related activities by the same resolutions, Iran is continuing to pursue enrichment activities and is once again in violation of its international obligations. The IAEA summarizes Iran’s obligations in its report, which need to be fully implemented in order to restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. In that regard, we call on Iran to cooperate with the Agency by implementing and ratifying the additional protocol. We also believe it is time to finally apply the modified Code 3.1 of the subsidiary arrangements to the safeguards agreement. We are particularly concerned about possible military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge Iran to discuss the outstanding issues with the Agency and to facilitate the provision of additional information, as well as to grant access to persons and installations as required by the Agency. Let me conclude by highlighting that, together with our partners in the international community, in particular in the framework of the E3+3, we remain committed to finding a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear file. Iran must restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. The first step in that direction is the establishment of mutual confidence. The recent talks in Istanbul were meant to create such confidence. From our perspective, the conversations in Istanbul were very disappointing. We call on Iran to reconsider its intransigent attitude and to return to the negotiating table in good faith — ready to engage constructively. We deplore the fact that talks have not yet led to substantial conclusions. As set out in resolution 1929 (2010), we remain committed to our offer of June 2008. Additional proposals were made in Istanbul. We continue to believe that a solution will only come about through negotiations and dialogue. Dialogue requires that both sides be ready to engage. We are. The door remains open for Iran. We call on Iran to seize this opportunity.

I would like to join other colleagues in thanking Ambassador Néstor Osorio for presenting his first 90-day report on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We appreciate the work of the Committee and will participate actively in it under Ambassador Osorio’s chairmanship. Iran is part of what has been defined as India’s proximate neighbourhood. We share a historical and civilizational relationship. The two countries maintain vibrant and lively people-to-people and cultural relations. Iran is a major source of our energy and hydrocarbon supplies, and is thus important for our energy security. We are also discussing with Iran various projects in the energy sector. Iran, located at the crossroads of the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and the Middle East, is an important country and has a role to play in regional issues. We have cooperated with Iran on issues such as the restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan and on development projects such as the construction of the Zaranj-Delaram road in western Afghanistan. Other areas of cooperation include trade and transit to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as the fight against common threats we face from cross-border terrorism and extremism. As a country that abides by all of its obligations under international treaties and has strong non-proliferation credentials, India has taken a consistent stand on the Iran nuclear issue. We support the right of all States, including Iran, to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. However, the exercise of that right should be consistent with States’ international obligations. As mentioned in the joint communiqué issued at the tenth Russia-India-China Ministerial Meeting, held in Wuhan in November 2010, Iran is entitled to the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and should, at the same time, restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. To that end, we support the intensification of efforts to address the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation. We also believe that the International Atomic Energy Agency has a central role to play in the resolution of technical issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme. We call on all sides to fully implement the resolutions the Council has adopted. There should be no violation of the measures mandated in those resolutions. At the same time, every effort should be made to ensure that the legitimate trade and economic activities of Iran, Iranian entities and other countries should not suffer. As a member of the 1737 Committee, we will contribute to the Committee’s work in that direction.

We welcome the new Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), Permanent Representative of Colombia Néstor Osorio, and assure him of our support and cooperation. We are grateful to the Chair for his briefing on the work of the Committee over the past three months. In the reporting period, the Committee continued to work actively while strictly abiding by its mandate. That is how it should continue to work in the future, including on those cases that were mentioned in the briefing. We note that the Panel of Experts has provided the Committee with professional assistance, and we expect it to continue its practical work in completing its tasks under the Committee’s leadership. Russia fully supports the ongoing implementation of all elements of the sanctions regime on Iran. We believe that if the regime is to be optimally effective, all members of the international community should strictly implement the relevant Security Council resolutions and not go beyond their framework. With respect to the current situation of the Iranian nuclear programme, we have consistently advocated addressing the problems related to the programme through dialogue and engagement with Iran. The core of Russia’s policy remains based on negotiations and the diplomatic track, working with Iran to seek a settlement and with the full involvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That is how our representative at the IAEA Board of Governors session on 9 March presented our position, along with the declaration of six States: Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, the United States and France. The statement underscores that the E3+3 group, with the participation of the High Representative of the European Union, is fully resolved and committed to seeking a comprehensive long-term negotiated settlement that would enable the restoration of international confidence in the genuinely peaceful nature of the Iranian programme, while acknowledging Iran’s full right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, pursuant to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We believe that Iran will react positively to the six States’ proposal and will launch a constructive dialogue with the E3+3 on the basis of cooperation and a gradual approach.

Like others, I want to thank Ambassador Néstor Osorio for the 90-day report on the activities of his very important Committee. And while wishing him all success in conducting the work of the Committee, I also want to assure him and his team of my country’s full support for the fulfilment of his mandate. I wish to convey my appreciation to the Panel of Experts for the work they have done in a very short time, and to thank them for the pragmatic and useful recommendations offered in the interim report of 24 February, the first after their appointment by the Secretary-General in November in accordance with resolution 1929 (2010). The adoption of that resolution was the most important event of last year regarding Iran’s compliance with its international obligations. In order to restore international confidence and allow it to sustain the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme and its related activities, the quality of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has to be enhanced and moved up to a satisfactory level by putting fully into practice the safeguards agreement of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its Additional Protocol, thus granting access to all sites, equipment, persons and documents, as requested by the Agency. Unfortunately, the report of the Director General of the Agency to the Council of the Board of Governors on 7 March reiterated the fact that certain activities being undertaken by Iran and some of its nuclear facilities are contrary to relevant resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council. The report further indicates that Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities, did not supply the Agency with information regarding the construction of new uranium enrichment facilities, and has not suspended work on all heavy water-related projects. Without full access to the Iranian nuclear facilities, Director General Amano concludes that the IAEA is unable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of these activities. Allow me to say a word on the diplomatic track. We regret that Iran does not seem willing to negotiate meaningfully, as was indicated at the Istanbul meeting in January. We call on Iran to engage fully in this process. My country remains committed to a negotiated solution, and we fully support High Representative Ashton in this regard. It is in the larger context to which I just referred that the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) has a particularly important role to play. While expressing deep concern about the various incidents reported in the 90-day report, indicating that violations and attempted violations of the sanctions regime continue to occur, I agree with Ambassador Osorio that the recent increase in the reporting of such violations by Member States sets a positive example and should be encouraged. To that end, I very much support the intention of the Chair to follow up on the implementation of the programme of work of 23 July 2010, disseminating additional optional guidance on implementation reports, reviewing the Committee’s consolidated list, and updating its guidelines in accordance with the new provisions of resolution 1929 (2010). Being very much attached to transparency and outreach initiatives as one of the best ways to stimulate the overall implementation of the relevant resolutions, I also very much welcome periodical open briefings for interested Member States.

I join previous speakers in thanking the Permanent Representative of Colombia, Ambassador Néstor Osorio, for his briefing, and pledge Brazil’s full support to him as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). My delegation values the work undertaken by the Committee. In particular, we support efforts to clarify the circumstances surrounding reported violations of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), as pointed out in the Committee’s most recent report. It is important that the Committee receive timely and adequate information from Member States so that it can properly fulfil its mandate. We also stress the need for all Member States to fully implement their obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions. Brazil has incorporated into its domestic legislation the provisions contained in all resolutions regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have always been firmly committed to doing so as a matter of principle and respect for the United Nations decisions. We believe that bona fide cooperation between Member States and the Committee can contribute to effectively addressing pending issues and, more broadly, to strengthening the United Nations and the multilateral system as a whole. The Committee has been tasked by the Security Council to apply the measures decided in resolution 1929 (2010). Such measures include a work programme covering several areas and the creation of the Panel of Experts to carry out a number of activities in connection with the implementation of the resolution. We took note of the interim report of the Panel of Experts circulated to Council members in February. We welcome the Panel’s willingness to engage in consultations and exchange views with Member States on issues pertaining to its mandate. With this in mind, we have invited the Panel of Experts to visit Brazil. This two-day collaboration is necessary to take into account not only concerns over the implementation of the resolution but also other matters, such as the side effects of sanctions on legitimate trade. The lack of progress in the latest round of talks with Iran, particularly during the January meeting in Istanbul, is cause for concern. The trust deficit is still high. We can only regret that situation. Brazil continues to encourage the Iranian Government to fully and promptly cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in order to clarify all outstanding questions. At the same time, we reaffirm Iran’s right, like that of any State, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards. We share the goal of ensuring that Iran’s nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. We want Tehran to fully clarify legitimate doubts regarding its nuclear activities. If that is to happen, Iran’s cooperation is required. Brazil believes that negotiations, understanding and persuasion constitute the only viable way to resolve disagreements over the Iranian nuclear programme. We regret that an opportunity to create mutual confidence through the implementation of the Tehran declaration of May 2010 was missed. We hope that dialogue will continue and lead to the desired results.

South Africa thanks the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) for his 90-day report on the activities of the Committee. We pledge our support for the Committee’s work. South Africa shares the concerns regarding the threats posed by the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction. Due to their reach and indiscriminate nature, those weapons threaten not only individual countries but also the international community as a whole. South Africa has closely followed developments in Iran’s nuclear programme and welcomes the vital role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with regard to Iran’s implementation of its Safeguards Agreement and the Agency’s continuous verification of Iran’s declared nuclear material. South Africa remains deeply concerned about Iran’s lack of compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. We note, inter alia, that contrary to the resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors and Security Council, Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities. My delegation urges Iran to comply with the Council’s resolutions and cooperate with the Agency so as to clarify the remaining outstanding issues and restore confidence in Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme. South Africa has repeatedly stated that it would not want to see any country denied its rights under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We have said that the call on Iran to suspend enrichment activities should not be a goal in itself. We have also cautioned against actions that could be undertaken that would minimize the capacity of the IAEA to perform its verification work in Iran. We take note of the recent statements of the E3+3, which emphasize diplomatic dialogue. South Africa strongly encourages all parties to resume constructive dialogue in that regard.

I, too, should like to welcome Ambassador Néstor Osorio and thank him for his report and for the high quality of his work in the months since his appointment as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). My delegation welcomes the work he has undertaken with the assistance of the Panel of Experts to ensure the implementation of resolution 1737 (2006) and other relevant resolutions of the Council. We urge the Panel to continue its consultations in a manner consistent with those it has held recently with international and non-governmental organizations and several capitals in an effort to better explain its programme of work and request the information it needs to fulfil its mandate. My delegation supports the recommendations detailed in the report of the Panel of Experts and encourages the organization of regional and multilateral meetings to further clarify the specific details of the implementation of sanctions. We are deeply concerned over violations of the sanctions imposed on Iran. We commend the Nigerian authorities for having seized a ship transporting prohibited weapons originating in Iran, in violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), which highlights that country’s contempt for Security Council sanctions. Furthermore, the recent report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) describes Iran’s ongoing pursuit of its uranium enrichment activities. We call on the Iranian authorities to comply with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, fulfil its obligations to the IAEA and return to the E3+3 negotiating table. That is the price of restoring confidence between Iran and the rest of the international community in this matter. Gabon remains committed to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, of which the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is the cornerstone. In that regard, we will continue to support the work of the 1737 Committee and its Panel of Experts.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate Ambassador Osorio on his appointment as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and to thank him for his first quarterly report. Once again, the report emphasizes the increasing number of violations. At its previous meeting on this issue (see S/PV.6442), the Council discussed two incidents of violations of the arms embargo. Since then, the Council has been notified of two new incidents, which show that Iran is persisting in its attempts to acquire materials for its ballistic missile programme and its heavy water-related activities. Beyond incidents that have been brought to the Committee’s attention, we wish to express our grave concern over last week’s interception by Israeli authorities of a new shipment of Iranian weapons, in violation of resolution 1737 (2006). We hope that the Panel of Experts will investigate the matter in accordance with its mandate. We also note with concern the seizure of an Iranian weapons shipment to the Taliban early in February in Afghanistan, as reported by the United Kingdom. Lastly, we note with concern Iran’s recent announcement that it had again launched a rocket into outer space. Space launch vehicles and ballistic missiles use similar technologies. We recall that resolution 1929 (2010) prohibits Iran from conducting launches using ballistic missile technology. We therefore hope that the Committee and the Panel of Experts will investigate that test, as well as Iran’s space and ballistic missile programmes and the recent weapons seizures. Over time, a real pattern of Iranian violations has emerged before our eyes, affecting all regions of the world — yesterday, Africa and Europe; today, Asia and the Middle East — and involving significant flows of weapons and other illicit and dangerous materials. Entities well-known to the Council, such as the Revolutionary Guards, have been implicated. We cannot overemphasize the seriousness of those violations, which threaten our collective security and security and stability in regions that are often already quite vulnerable. They require our utmost vigilance. As Ambassador Osorio did his briefing, I wish to commend the States that have sent their notifications, because they give the Committee and the Panel valuable and detailed information on the methods used by Iran to circumvent sanctions. We also welcome the fact that the Panel of Experts has launched an in-depth investigation into those cases, in accordance with its mandate. We hope that it will make specific recommendations to address the vulnerabilities highlighted by those cases, particularly in the areas of transport, export controls and banking. In that regard, the Committee must take the necessary measures in response. I wish to commend the Panel for the excellent quality of its quarterly report on its activities. In its eight weeks of activity, the Panel, led by Ms. Zurabishvili, has spared no effort. We fully support her initial observations and her first recommendations to help States meet their obligations under the resolutions, especially in submitting their national reports. We hope that she will make regular recommendations to substantively improve sanctions provisions. It is imperative that the Panel receive the full support of all Member States and of the Secretariat. In particular, we call on all States to provide the Panel as much information as possible so that it can have the most precise picture possible of the implementation of resolutions. We welcome the intention of the Chair of the Committee to continue with outreach efforts, in particular by regularly holding meetings open to all interested Member States. The 1737 Committee has not been alone in noting the alarming situation whereby Iran continues to violate its obligations. Our concerns regarding the Iranian nuclear programme are further heightened by the latest report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of 25 February. The report, the first to be issued following the meetings between the six and Iran held in Geneva and Istanbul, unfortunately shows no improvements. On the contrary, Iran continues to reject its international commitments and to refuse to meet the requirements of the Security Council and the Board of Governors of the IAEA. Iran continues its enrichment activities, accumulating, in the absence of credible civilian purposes, 3.5-per-cent- and 20-per-cent-enriched uranium and fuelling an ever greater number of centrifuges, which now total more than 5,000. Iran continues its activities relating to heavy water, in violation of Security Council resolutions. Moreover, the report deplores Iran’s continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA. In its report, the Agency also states that its knowledge of Iran’s enrichment activities continues to deteriorate. For example, Iran has not provided the clarification requested by the IAEA as to the background and purpose of the Fordow plant; it has not provided design information regarding several installations; it is denying the Agency access to its heavy water production and storage installations; and it is not implementing the Additional Protocol. Finally, and above all, Iran is refusing to respond to the Agency with respect to the very serious signs of the militarization of its programme and the development of a nuclear payload for a ballistic missile. The Agency notes, however, that it has received supporting information since 2008, including recently. In this context, we encourage the Director General of the IAEA to continue his efforts to investigate these matters. In that regard, it is regrettable in our view that Iran, during the recent meetings in Geneva and Istanbul, did not wish to seriously consider the offers of cooperation made by the six or our specific proposals aimed at building trust and promoting dialogue. On the contrary, Iran has set out preconditions, which goes against Security Council resolutions and is unacceptable for the six. By refusing to respect its international commitments and undertake genuine negotiations to address the concerns raised by its nuclear programme, Iran is further isolating itself from the international community. The door to negotiations is of course still open, but it is up to Iran to demonstrate its desire to undertake serious negotiations. It is up to Iran to show that it is a responsible member of the international community.

I wish to say that my delegation appreciates the enormous sense of duty and the enthusiasm with which Ambassador Néstor Osorio has conducted the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I want to assure him that my delegation supports him with the same level of enthusiasm and responsibility. Nigeria remains committed to the ideal of a nuclear-free world. We regard the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery as a serious threat to our collective security. Indeed, it is a global challenge that requires concerted and sustained effort on the part of the international community, including the Security Council. The Committee must therefore remain vigilant, as its actions and decisions will guide the international response to this potent threat. We welcome the role and the work of the Committee and its Panel of Experts during the reporting period. In particular, we commend the reported increase in the reporting of sanctions violations by Member States. It is edifying to note that the Panel of Experts made tremendous progress during the first eight weeks of its activities. For its part, Nigeria will continue to cooperate with and demonstrate strong support for the work of the Committee. We are concerned that little progress was made in the interaction between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran on the outstanding issues relating to Iran’s nuclear activities. It is also distressing to note that the Istanbul and Geneva talks were unable to yield the desired results. These are developments of grave concern, which underscore the need for sustained engagement with Iran on its nuclear activities. We are, however, confident that, despite the challenges, diplomatic negotiation, which has served us relatively well in the past, still remains relevant — and perhaps the only sustainable mechanism to resolve all outstanding issues relating to Iran’s nuclear activities. We call on the IAEA to be unrelenting in its effort to explore measures to build confidence in consonance with the resolutions of the Security Council. We call for efforts to be stepped up by all actors, including the E3+3, towards facilitating a negotiated solution. It is absolutely vital that Iran attempt to build confidence among the international community with regard to the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. But in order to achieve this, it must follow through on its commitment to engage in talks on its nuclear programme by more strident and substantive engagement in the process.

I would like to thank Ambassador Osorio for his 90-day report on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). Allow me to make the following observations. Lebanon was one of the first countries to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is party to all international non-proliferation instruments and is fully committed to its responsibilities. We warmly welcome the international interest in disarmament. We believe that weapons of mass destruction, and nuclear weapons in particular, can never be a source of peace, security or stability; quite to the contrary, they can compel other States to seek to acquire these weapons and lead to an unbridled arms race. Resolution 1929 (2010) and other relevant resolutions reaffirmed the rights of the parties to the NPT to undertake nuclear research and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The resolution also affirms the importance of political and diplomatic efforts for seeking negotiated solutions. We call for the relaunching of negotiations and a return to dialogue, which is the best way to find a comprehensive and final solution that will increase international confidence in the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme and open the way to the development of fruitful development agreements with the Islamic Republic of Iran. We fully subscribe to the statement made by the representative of Brazil to the effect that the Tehran declaration represented an opportunity that ought to have been seized. Lebanon also hopes to see the dream of a nuclear- weapon-free zone in the Middle East. We affirm that the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol. I)) calls on Israel to adhere to the Treaty, as it is the only country of the Middle East that has not done so. It should place its installations under the comprehensive safeguards regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We reaffirm Lebanon’s commitment to continuing to cooperate with the Committee and to assist in its efforts to fulfil its mandate.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of China. I thank Ambassador Osorio for briefing the Council on the most recent 90-day programme of work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I believe that, under his outstanding leadership and with his effective coordinating skills, the Committee will advance its work in a balanced and orderly manner. China attaches great importance to the work of the Committee and will, as always, support it. Negotiation and dialogue are the appropriate avenue for addressing Iran’s nuclear issue. Since December 2010, the six, the European Union and Iran have held two rounds of talks in which we confirmed the basic approach of engaging in dialogue in the interests of cooperation and finding common ground, and expressed our readiness for continued dialogue. At the recent meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the six also reaffirmed their common position of pursuing engagement with Iran on the basis of reciprocity and a phased approach and of establishing a cooperative relationship with Iran in various fields. As a State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran is entitled to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. At the same time, it should also fulfil its relevant international obligations. We hope that Iran will take measures to enhance the international community’s confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. China believes that, so long as all sides remain patient, flexible and pragmatic and take practical measures to enhance mutual confidence, dialogue and negotiation will make headway. China will continue to work with all sides in this respect and play a constructive role in this process. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to Ambassador Osorio to respond to comments made and questions raised.

I should like to thank all my colleagues for the kind words they have addressed to me. I should also like to note that the work of the Committee is moving forward in an atmosphere of great seriousness and responsibility, given the sensitive nature of the matters it addresses. I should like, through you, Sir, and my colleagues, to convey my gratitude to the Panel of Experts for their contributions. As Council members have also noted, the work of the Panel of Experts, under the coordination of Ms. Zurabishvili, has been truly outstanding. Its heavy workload and wide range of activities have allowed the Panel very closely to follow the implementation of resolution 1737 (2006) and to identify violations or attempted violations of the sanctions imposed by the Council. I cannot conclude without also expressing my appreciation to the members of the Secretariat for their excellent support. They work tirelessly and with great dedication to ensure that the Committee can fulfil its tasks. We will continue to work thus to complete the mandate entrusted to us.

There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.