S/PV.6930 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Ambassador Gary Quinlan, Permanent Representative of Australia, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I now give the floor to Ambassador Quinlan.

I have the honour to present the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), in accordance with paragraph 18 (h) of the same resolution. The report covers the period from 5 December 2012 to 4 March 2013, during which time the Committee held one meeting and conducted additional work using the non-objection procedure envisioned by paragraph 15 of the guidelines for the conduct of its work. At the informal consultations on 13 February, the Committee exchanged preliminary views on a case reported by a Member State in a note verbale dated 6 February 2013, according to which the authorities of that State had intercepted, on 23 January, a vessel that it suspected was carrying illicit weapons from Iran to be delivered to that State. Given the serious allegations contained in the report, the Committee encouraged the Panel of Experts to expedite its investigation of the incident and report to the Committee on its findings. The Committee stands ready to examine in an impartial and objective manner and, based on solid evidence, take appropriate action upon receipt of that report from the Panel. The Committee also discussed the incident report by the Panel dated 11 January 2013 on the missile launches by Iran during the Great Prophet VII exercise, conducted from 2 to 4 July 2012. Members of the Committee took note of the Panel’s conclusion that Iran’s launches of Shahab-1 and Shahab-3 missiles during the exercises constituted a violation of paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010). Several Committee members expressed great concern that Iran’s launches represented a clear violation of resolution 1929 (2010), condemned the launches and suggested that the Committee consider appropriate actions in response. The Committee is currently exploring those options. In the meantime, the Committee emphasizes the importance of all Member States redoubling their efforts to implement all measures required in resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010). As my predecessor informed the Council in December (see S/PV.6888), the Panel had been tasked by the Committee with compiling publicly available statements made by Iranian officials and alleged recipients of Iranian military assistance regarding potential violations of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007). The compilation was transmitted by the Panel to the Committee on 14 December 2012, and was considered at the informal consultations I mentioned earlier. During the discussion, several members expressed the view that it would be appropriate to send a letter to Iran inquiring as to the veracity of the statements reflected in the compilation. While not questioning the possibility of sending such a letter to Iran in the future, other members believed that the Committee should be prudent and that further efforts should be made first in order to obtain material evidence of the alleged arms transfers mentioned in the statements. The Committee believes strongly that any transfer of arms or related materiel in violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007) is a matter of grave concern. In line with its mandate, the Committee stands ready to examine alleged violations in an impartial and objective manner and, based on solid evidence, to take appropriate action regarding them. Furthermore, during the informal consultations, the Panel briefed the Committee on its investigative and outreach activities. During the reporting period, the Committee received communications from five Member States relating to action they had taken in implementation of the relevant Security Council measures. One of those was the letter I mentioned earlier concerning a possible violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), which was discussed by the Committee at its informal consultations on 13 February. In the second, dated 17 January 2013, a State informed the Committee of an alleged breach of the embargo on Iran by a company located in that State. In the third, on 24 January 2013, a State provided details relating to the inspection and seizure, on 15 March 2011, of three shipping containers of arms and related materiel onboard the ship M/V Victoria. In the fourth, on 1 February 2013, a State reported to the Committee the arrest of a businessman suspected of violating the national law implementing the relevant United Nations sanctions measures. Lastly, the fifth State transmitted, on 14 February, a report on the shipments confiscated by its respective authorities during the second quarter of 2012, and on measures taken to prevent transit of shipments to Iran that are suspected to contain prohibited items. All those cases are currently being investigated by the Panel. The Committee is pleased that States are responding to its requests for information on reported incidents of non-compliance. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all States to cooperate with the Committee and its Panel of Experts in reporting and investigating possible sanctions violations. Following up on the Panel’s findings in other cases of non-compliance, the Committee agreed, on 20 December 2012, to designate two entities, namely, Yas Air and SAD Import Export Company. A note verbale was sent on 8 January 2013 to all Member States informing them of the designations. On a related matter, the Committee sent, on 23 January 2013, another note verbale to all States requesting them to provide, on a voluntary basis, additional identifying information regarding the individuals on the Committee’s consolidated list. I take this opportunity to renew that request for information. The Committee continues its efforts to assist States implement the relevant Security Council measures. I am pleased to report that the Committee adopted, on 26 December 2012, an implementation assistance notice (IAN) on conventional arms and related materiel and, on 27 February of this year, an IAN on financial and business measures. Both were posted on the Committee’s website. The Committee decided, on 4 March, to update the lists of nuclear-related and ballistic missile-related items referred to in paragraph 13 of resolution 1929 (2010). The updated lists are available on the Committee’s website. During the reporting period, the Committee received a number of written inquiries concerning the application of the sanctions. In two letters dated 16 January 2013, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) requested confirmation that two proposals for technical assistance to Iran by UNIDO did not contravene the applicable Security Council sanctions regime. On 1 February, the Committee informed UNIDO that the projects were not prohibited by the relevant resolutions. In a letter dated 10 December 2012, a State sought information from the Committee on the return of the funds concerning an advance payment made by the Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran to a company located in that State. As the contract was signed before 2007, when the relevant measures were imposed, the Committee advised the State that there were no obstacles to the return of funds. The Committee also received communications from two Member States, one dated 10 December 2012 and the other 4 January 2013, requesting information as to whether certain specified entities were included in the consolidated list of individuals and entities subject to the travel ban and assets freeze pursuant to the relevant Council resolutions. Committee members exchanged views as to the possible ways to respond to such queries during the informal consultations I mentioned earlier. In addition, the Committee received a communication dated 20 February from a State requesting an exemption from the travel ban on a designated Iranian national who had been invited to attend the high-level International Atomic Energy Agency conference on nuclear power in the twenty-first century in Saint Petersburg from 27 to 29 June 2013. The request is currently under consideration by the Committee. The Committee also received four notifications: three from a Member State with reference to paragraph 5 (c) of resolution 1737 (2006), concerning the delivery of items for use in the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran; and one from another Member State submitted pursuant to paragraph 15 of resolution 1737 (2006) and paragraph 4 of resolution 1747 (2007), in connection with the unfreezing of funds to make a payment due under a contract entered into prior to the listing of an entity. Finally, I am very happy to note that during the reporting period the Committee received a report from Saudi Arabia on the implementation of resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1929 (2010).

I thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to members of the Council.

I wish to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing. Since assuming his role as Chairman of the Committee, he has guided its work in an orderly manner, for which China would like to register its appreciation. China attaches great importance to the work of the Committee. We are ready to work with all parties in a spirit of pragmatism and stability to conduct balanced and effective work. The relevant Security Council resolutions on the nuclear issue should be comprehensively implemented. However, sanctions are not the ultimate purpose of those resolutions. The Committee and Panel of Experts should serve the purpose of settling the issue via diplomatic means. The Committee recently came up with allegations regarding certain cases and we hope that it will, based on the principles of caution and objectivity, fully consult with the relevant countries and resolve those problems on the basis of solid evidence. The Iranian issue has a bearing on the authority of the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and on peace and stability in the Middle East. Dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve the issue. China has consistently opposed the use or threat of use of force. China does not agree that excessive pressure should be put on Iran, or that new sanctions should be introduced. Some countries, which have imposed unilateral sanctions and wilfully expanded their scope, are undermining the legitimate interests and rights of other countries. China is opposed to such an approach. Positive results were achieved previously as a result of the Almaty dialogue on the Iranian nuclear issue, which marked a first step towards launching substantive negotiations conducive to finding a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation. China has long striven to keep the issue on the right track. China hopes that all parties will strengthen trust and create conditions condusive to a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate solution to Iran’s nuclear issue. We also encourage Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. China is ready to continue to work with all parties in a constructive effort to find a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): I would like to thank the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), under the new and able chairmanship of Ambassador Quinlan, as well as the Panel of Experts, for their work in supporting the implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions on Iran. The United Kingdom, like others in the international community, remains deeply concerned by Iran’s nuclear programme. The 21 February report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (see S/2013/103) shows that Iran continues to enrich uranium and expand its enrichment capacity, including with the installation of 180 advanced centrifuges at Natanz. This development comes closely on the heels of the full installation of the Fordow enrichment facility, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in November 2012. These actions are in contravention of the resolutions of both the IAEA Board of Governors and the Security Council. Iran’s stockpile of nearly 20-per cent enriched uranium continues to grow and is already far in excess of its current needs. The IAEA Director General’s report highlights yet again Iran’s continued failure to engage on the possible military dimensions of its nuclear programme. We are now 15 months from the IAEA’s first report on possible military dimensions. Iran must show that it is prepared to take the urgent action necessary to address the international community’s serious concerns and be judged on its actions, not on its words. The United Kingdom remains committed to finding a peaceful, negotiated solution to the nuclear issue. Representatives of the E3+3 Governments met representatives of Iran on 26 and 27 February in Kazakhstan. Those were useful discussions, and the United Kingdom looks forward to further progress by experts in March on the revised and credible proposal that the E3+3 has put to Iran. That proposal is intended to build confidence on both sides and move negotiations forward. Iran has much to gain from a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue, but we are clear on the need for talks to deliver results. It is vital that progress now be made on addressing the most immediate concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. Turning to the work of the 1737 Committee, we note with regret that the Panel of Experts confirms that Iran continues to breach its international obligations. A blatant and worrying example is Iran’s ballistic missile launches, highlighted in the Panel’s 11 January report. The evidence of this breach is compelling, and the Panel was clear that these launches of ballistic missiles in a military context by Iran constitute a violation of resolution 1929 (2010). The 1737 Committee must now act on this breach. It should, as a first step, write to Iran to express its concern at the violation and ask Iran to provide a response. The Committee should issue an implementation assistance notice regarding this incident, highlighting to Member States the ban on transferring technology or technical assistance to Iran regarding ballistic missile activities. We also encourage the Panel to investigate and share in its final report in May the names of individuals and entities responsible. We are also concerned by the Panel of Experts’ compilations of statements on the transfer of arms to Gaza by Iran, which indicate that Iran has breached resolution 1747 (2007). Iran’s support to militant groups, such as Hamas, directly undermines prospects for peace in the region and further undermines the Iranian Government’s claim to the international community and to its own people that it supports stability in the Middle East. We are furthermore dismayed by the boldness of the Iranian public statements that seek to undermine the credibility of the Security Council and its resolutions. The United Kingdom calls on the Panel to continue to monitor this issue, identify individuals and entities responsible and include recommendations on designations in their final report. The United Kingdom also notes with concern the recent report from Yemen on the seizure of illicit arms reported by the Government of Yemen as coming from Iran. That transfer appears to be a violation that threatens to undermine Yemen’s fragile transition. We look forward to the Panel’s report of its recent inspection visit. The Committee should be prepared to take action if the Panel’s evidence confirms the violation. It is time for Iran’s leaders to engage. They cannot continue to ignore the serious concerns of the international community over Iran’s nuclear programme and its violations of Security Council resolutions. If Iran aspires to be treated as a normal non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, it must now take urgent and concrete steps to fully address those concerns. Until it makes the choice to engage, it will face the consequences of increased pressure and isolation.

I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his first briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We appreciate the focus and energy that he and his team are bringing to this Committee. The Iranian nuclear issue remains one of the gravest threats to international security and a top priority for the Security Council. We meet today at a time of new opportunities but growing risks. In recent weeks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General has reaffirmed yet again that Iran continues to advance its nuclear programme and obstruct the IAEA’s investigation into the programme’s possible military dimensions by refusing to grant the IAEA access to the Parchin site and to documents, personnel and equipment requested by the Agency. Those actions, as well as Iran’s continued enrichment and heavy water-related activities, are in clear violation of the Council’s demands. More alarming still, the IAEA Director General has confirmed that Iran is now further contravening Security Council resolutions by installing hundreds of second-generation centrifuges that could significantly increase its uranium enrichment capacity. The installation of those centrifuges, as well as Iran’s stockpiling of 20-per cent enriched uranium and continued enrichment at the Fordow facility, are cause for serious concern. Those actions are unnecessary and thus provocative. Iran already has enough enriched uranium to fuel the Tehran Research Reactor for at least a decade. Increasing that capacity without any clear civilian use makes no sense. Iran’s actions neither build international confidence nor bring us closer to a comprehensive and peaceful solution. On the contrary, they raise the world’s concerns. For this very reason, the work of the Iran sanctions Committee is vital. As long as Iran rejects its international obligations, we must be resolute in implementing fully the sanctions the Council has imposed. In recent months, we have witnessed troubling new violations of those sanctions. In January, Yemen seized a vessel transporting a very large cache of sophisticated Iranian arms, ammunition and explosives, in violation of resolution 1747 (2007). Those arms could have destabilized Yemen’s fragile transition. We urge the Committee, with the support of the Panel of Experts, to investigate that case rigorously and work with the Council to craft a worthy response. We have also observed more public statements acknowledging Iran’s illicit arms smuggling. Representatives of Hamas, Hizbullah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and even Iran itself are now publicly admitting to activities that violate United Nations sanctions. The Committee should consider those statements as additional proof of Iran’s blatant disregard for its obligations and follow up to the fullest extent possible. The Committee is now also assessing Iranian missile launches that have violated resolution 1929 (2010). Those launches allow Iran to refine and develop a technology that, if ever combined with weapons of mass destruction, would constitute an intolerable threat to international peace and security. We urge the Committee, in line with its mandate, to take swift and sure action in response, including by imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible for such violations. Each and every violation of United Nations sanctions is a serious matter. It is our collective responsibility to report on those cases, to support efforts to investigate them, and to act decisively when investigations are completed. Responding effectively to those incidents bolsters both the Council’s credibility and the efficiency of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The United States remains committed to a diplomatic solution. Therefore, we welcome the recently resumed dialogue between the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1) and Iran. But let us not forget that dialogue is only a means to an end. Our goal remains a durable and comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue that restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in compliance with all relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. As a first step, we seek to address Iran’s most significant nuclear activities — the production and accumulation of uranium enriched to near 20 per cent and the installation of additional centrifuges at Fordow. In that event, the P5+1 countries have demonstrated that we are willing to take steps to respond to Iran’s expressed concerns. The talks between the P5+1 and Iran in Almaty were useful, but we must see whether real progress towards a negotiated solution can result from the renewed process. The process cannot continue indefinitely or be used as a stalling mechanism. Therefore, we remain committed to the dual-track approach, mounting pressure on Iran as we pursue meaningful dialogue in good faith. Working together we can continue to clarify for Iran the consequences of its actions and show Iran the benefits of choosing cooperation over provocation.

We thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for presenting the report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and the Panel of Experts. Ambassador Quinlan has worked with ardour and brought new energy to the Committee. We also take note of the recent report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the implementation of safeguards under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in Iran. The Council and the 1737 (2006) Committee have made considerable efforts to address the issues relating to Iran’s nuclear programme. We take this opportunity today to reaffirm the need for the Council to consider revisiting objectives and strategy as set out in the relevant resolutions. We welcome the resumption of diplomatic efforts between the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1) and Iran. We hope that recent positive and conciliatory overtures and statements will not only improve the atmosphere but lead to results. Affirmation by all sides of their faith in negotiations is important. There may be a way out of the current impasse through consistent engagement. A peaceful resolution of the issues is possible on the basis of reciprocal confidence-building measures and the necessary steps to ensure Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Council and the Committee need to lend their support to those efforts. It is essential to avert confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme, which has the potential to destabilize the immediate neighbourhood of Iran and the volatile region. As other Council members have pointed out, the work of the Panel of Experts and its activities should conform to its mandate. Its reports, analyses and recommendations must be objective, impartial and backed by solid evidence. We reiterate our view that Security Council sanctions should not be pursued as an end in themselves; a negotiated solution to the unresolved issues needs to be facilitated by striking a balance between sanctions and negotiations. We call upon the Council, the Committee and the Panel of Experts to adjust the objectives and strategy accordingly. Easing of pressure could help with negotiations. Iran is a party to the NPT and, as a member of the IAEA, is entitled to certain rights that should be respected in line with the provisions of those instruments. At the same time, Iran should fulfil its legal obligations under the NPT. We urge Iran to stay engaged with the IAEA and extend full cooperation to it, with a view to resolving all outstanding issues. It is important for the Council to broaden the composition of the Panel of Experts, particularly from developing countries. Such a step would enhance awareness and make implementation of the relevant Council resolutions more effective. The Council should revisit the existing method of appointment of the Panel of Experts and align it with the United Nations core values of transparency and impartiality. We hope that the Council will attend to that issue in all its subsidiary bodies. We will gladly contribute to that process.

Allow me to begin by thanking Ambassador Gary Quinlan for presenting the first report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), which he chairs with most able stewardship. I would like to reiterate the support of my delegation. The Iranian nuclear issue in many of its aspects has not significantly changed since our meeting of 13 December 2012 (see S/PV.6888), as noted in the latest report of the Board of Governors, dated 21 February 2013 (see S/2013/103). Pursuant to resolution 2011/69 — in which the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requested the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Agency to cooperate and step up dialogue so as to urgently resolve all significant pending issues, including access to all information, documents, sites, materials and staff — the two parties met several times. Unfortunately, the report notes that no specific results were obtained. Moreover, the report underscores that the negotiations of December 2012 and of 16 and 17 January 2013, as well as the meeting of 13 February, which sought to finalize the document on the structured approach to the issue, did not lead to an agreement with Iran or to substantive discussions on, inter alia, the possible military dimensions of the country’s nuclear programme. In addition to those outstanding issues, it is also noted that activities conducted in declared installations under the Safeguards Agreement run counter to relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. Generally speaking, the report underscores the fact that Iran has not suspended its fuel enrichment activities in the declared facilities in Natanz and Fordow. Moreover, more advanced centrifuges have been installed at Natanz. The same holds true for heavy water projects, uranium conversion and fuel production. In all cases, while the Agency has concluded that the information obtained basically corresponds to Iran’s statements, additional information continues to be expected from the country. In the light of the foregoing, it is hardly surprising that the International Atomic Energy Agency is increasingly concerned about the possible existence of secret nuclear-related activities involving military sector organizations, in particular activities for the development of a nuclear payload for a missile. There is significant evidence that the crisis of confidence between the international community and Iran continues to grow. The information contained in the report of the Panel of Experts regarding the launching of Great Prophet VII missiles during the operations carried out from 2 to 4 July 2012, as well as official Iranian public statements regarding possible military assistance to Hamas and other terrorist groups, only exacerbates the tensions. Those acts, according to the Panel of Experts, run counter to resolutions 1929 (2010) and 1747 (2007) and are a source of great concern. Talks between the group made up of the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1) and Iran, such as the meeting held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 27 February, aimed, inter alia, at inducing that country to renounce its nuclear programme and to send its stock of 20 per cent enriched uranium abroad, have not yet led to significant progress on the matter. Despite that regrettable situation, my country continues to believe in a negotiated solution and calls on Iran once again to uphold its commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors. In that respect, Togo calls on Iran to step up its cooperation with the IAEA so as to arrive at acceptable solutions to the requests made by the Agency and to continue, in good faith, negotiations with the P5+1. We remain hopeful that at upcoming meetings, in particular at the expert meeting to be held in Istanbul on 17 and 18 March, upstream of the meeting between Iran and the P5+1 slated for 5 and 6 April, progress will be made in that respect. At the same time, it is crucial for Iran to accept the request of the IAEA as set out in paragraph 65 of its report, by facilitating access to the Parchin site and by addressing the concerns regarding that site. While recognizing the right of all countries, including Iran, to develop peaceful nuclear energy, we would urge that country to work to implement a peaceful programme and to draw on the cooperation necessary to achieve that goal. In conclusion, I should like to express my gratitude to the Committee and to the Panel of Experts for their tireless efforts in assisting the Council in the quest for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear question. That undertaking requires joint efforts on our part. It is in that context that Togo is pleased to host, in Lomé from 13 to 17 May, a regional seminar that will allow West African and Central African countries to discuss the measures necessary to abide by the United Nations sanctions regime in that respect and to adopt relevant recommendations.

My delegation wishes to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his informative briefing. We should like to congratulate him and his team on having assumed the chairmanship of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). During the reporting period, the Committee continued to undertake the tasks assigned to it with transparency, impartiality and objectivity, without compromising its mandate. We believe that it should continue to do so in future. We commend the work of the Committee, which has continued to examine national reports, requests and reports of alleged violations by Member States. Regarding the requests made by States for information on the sanctions regime, it is important that the Committee respond in a clear, direct and expeditious manner, pursuant to its mandate. We welcome the work being done by the Panel of Experts, including its dissemination and awareness- raising activities. We encourage the Panel to continue its work in strict compliance with the relevant resolutions. The Panel provides invaluable support to the Committee through, inter alia, its investigations into alleged violations and incidents. Its conclusions and recommendations, based on verifiable and reliable information, provide a substantive basis for the Committee’s decision-making process. Guatemala has always been in favour of the right of all States to pursue the peaceful use of nuclear energy, pursuant to international treaties, as long as they comply with their verification obligations. We believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran should fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to re-establish trust and to prove the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. As a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran is obligated to meet its treaty obligations. Likewise, that country, as a member of the IAEA, must cooperate fully with the Agency within the framework of its Safeguards Agreement. We have taken note of the recent IAEA report on the implementation of the safeguards regime in Iran pursuant to the NPT, in which it is once again indicated that Iran has continued to accelerate its nuclear programme and that pending questions remain unresolved, including those related to the possible military dimension of its nuclear programme. That situation continues to be of great concern to us. We join the call of the IAEA and urge Iran to adopt measures towards the full implementation of the Safeguards Agreement and other NPT obligations and commitments and, in particular, submit to inspections. In that context, we note with satisfaction the talks held with the Agency in January and February, and we hope that an agreement will soon be reached on the structured approach. Guatemala has been consistent in pressing for a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear question. It does not believe that there is an alternative to a negotiated solution. Efforts towards that end must be made on the basis of the principles of consistency and reciprocity and pursuant to the NPT. We are encouraged by the recent talks between the E3+3 group and the Islamic Republic of Iran held in Almaty, which have been described by some as a turning point in the process. Perhaps it is too early to feel optimistic, but we hope that we can soon envision a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear questions. We can only hope, together with the rest of the international community, that the upcoming meetings to be held in Istanbul and again in Almaty will result in real progress and a positive outcome. In conclusion, my delegation will continue to actively participate in the Committee’s deliberations, with the goal of contributing to a lasting solution ensuring the full implementation of the relevant resolutions.

At the outset, we congratulate Ambassador Gary Quinlan on assuming the chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and thank him for presenting the quarterly report on the work of that subsidiary organ. We also acknowledge his committed and transparent work. During the reporting period, the Committee continued to efficiently carry out its work in the context of its mandate. In that regard, we believe that it is important to keep Member States informed of the Committee’s work, for example by holding briefings that are open to all States. We also believe that it is appropriate for the Committee to respond to all inquiries received from Member States in order to encourage them to remain vigilant in implementing the relevant resolutions. Furthermore, we believe that the Committee plays a crucial role in providing assistance and cooperation to Member States on implementing the pertinent resolutions. In that regard, we believe that the guidance notes that help States in their implementation efforts are a key tool. Allow me to underscore three points with regard to the Iranian nuclear programme. First, I would like to reaffirm the inalienable right of all States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination. That is the principled position that we have stated in this and other relevant forums. At the same time, my country has a firm and long-standing commitment to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which I reaffirm in the Council. I believe that the international community should support the relevance of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and its cornerstone, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Secondly, I would like to mention the most recent report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of 21 February, which was transmitted to the Council (see S/2013/103). In that regard, we share the assessment of the Director General and his concern about the lack of progress in clarifying the outstanding issues, including those linked to a possible military dimension of the Iranian nuclear programme. We believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran must continue to actively cooperate with the Agency and supply all required information on its nuclear programme, providing access to all necessary sites. In that regard, it is important that Iran adopt the necessary measures to fully implement its safeguards agreement and to meet its other obligations, including the relevant Security Council resolutions, and to regain the international community’s trust in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Thirdly, I would like to underscore that we are encouraged by the recent talks between the Government of Iran and the E3+3, held in Almaty. My country believes that we must continue to seek a solution through talks that allow for certainty about the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. We encourage the parties to continue their efforts in that regard. We also believe that it is relevant to recall the appeal of the IAEA Board of Governors, in its resolution of September 2012, for Iran to adopt and implement the so-called structured approach to resolve the outstanding issues. Since the adoption of that resolution, there have been three rounds of negotiations between the IAEA and Iran without the Director General having been able to record substantive developments. We hope that the periodic meetings between the two parties lead to specific results with regard to the structured approach so that the process of clarifying the outstanding issues can begin. I have concluded my remarks.

Like my colleagues, I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for presenting the quarterly report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I would like to assure him of my delegation’s full support in carrying out his functions as Chair of that sanctions committee, which is at the heart of the non-proliferation regime. We also thank the Panel of Experts for their invaluable assistance to the Committee’s work. Its role is crucial in ensuring that the sanctions measures adopted by the Security Council be fully upheld. My country had the opportunity to host the Panel on 6 and 7 February during a working visit to Luxembourg. The quarterly report of the 1737 Committee considers the various aspects of its work with regard to restricting Iran’s ability to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile capability for military purposes. It is important that the Committee continue on that path and we fully support its efforts along those lines. In that regard, we note with concern the recent report of the Panel of Experts, which unequivocally decides that Iran violated the provisions of paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010) in June 2012 by launching ballistic missiles in the context of a military exercise. We believe that the report must be followed up. The Committee must respond. The same applies to the weapons intercepted on 23 January off the coast of Yemen. In the light of the outcome of the inquiry under way, the Committee should ensure an appropriate follow-up. The credibility of the appeals to Iran, insisting on its effective cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also depends of the effective implementation of the sanctions regime. Iran will regain the trust of the international community only by fully cooperating with the IAEA. Iran must therefore clarify the numerous outstanding issues and allow the IAEA inspectors to test the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Regrettably, the IAEA’s recent report does not enable us to believe in Iran’s readiness to uphold its international obligations. In contravention of the resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors, Iran has not suspended its uranium enrichment and processing activities. On the contrary, it has continued to develop its enrichment capacities by using new-generation centrifuges at the Natanz site. Continuing heavy-water projects and refusing the IAEA access to the Parchin site are just are worrying. In such conditions, it is difficult to know the exact nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. That in no way helps to create a climate of trust. While calling on Iran to comply with its international obligations and to fully clarify the nature of its nuclear programme, Luxembourg nevertheless reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated solution based on the dual-track approach. That is why we are pleased about the talks between Iran and the E3+3 on 26 February in Almaty, facilitated by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. At that time, a proposal was put on the table that sought to establish trust and to provide true substance to the dialogue. If accepted, that proposal should allow for progress towards a long-term solution on the basis of compliance with the resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. We hope that the Iranian Government will positively view the proposal made in Almaty and that the follow- up meetings planned for 18 March at the technical level and for 5 and 6 April at the political level will finally allow for a positive dynamism.

I would like to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his work as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and for his presentation of the 90-day report of the Committee. The Committee received from Member States a number of communications on actions taken in implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and on responses on reported incidents during the reporting period. The Committee discussed the incident report by the Panel of Experts dated 11 January 2013, exchanged views on the case reported by a Member State on 6 February 2013 and encouraged the Panel to expedite the investigation in that regard and report to the Committee on its findings. It is critical that the Committee examine all cases and incidents in an impartial and objective manner and consider appropriate actions on the basis of solid evidence. It is essential that the Committee continue its efforts to assist States in implementing the relevant Security Council measures. We note in that regard the adoption by the Committee of an implementation assistance notice on conventional arms and related material and on financial and business measures. We also note the Panel’s visit to several Member States to discuss matters pertaining to the mandate of the Panel, and the participation of its experts in a number of conferences and seminars during the reporting period. It is essential that the Panel continue its outreach activities, which play an important role in increasing the number of national implementation reports from Member States. The reporting period was also marked by three rounds of talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aimed at finalizing the structured approach document. However, according to the report of the IAEA Board of Governors of 21 February (see S/2013/103), it has not been possible to reach agreement or begin substantive work on the outstanding issues. There is no doubt that every country has the right to develop its nuclear industry for peaceful purposes in full accordance with the relevant international obligations. It is therefore important that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran continue its efforts to build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. It is encouraging that high-level talks took place at the end of February between Iran and the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany. We hope that the meeting at the technical level to be held later this month, and the resumption of high-level negotiations in April in Almaty, Kazakhstan, will help move the resolution of the problem forward. It is essential to continue dialogue and cooperation on the issues on which progress is urgent for regional stability. We encourage further efforts aimed at resolving the issues of concern peacefully and in a constructive manner.

Like other colleagues who have preceeded me, I would like to reiterate my congratulations to Ambassador Gary Francis Quinlan on his assumption of the chairmanship of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), as well as to thank him sincerely for his first 90-day report. Aware of his thoroughness, integrity and professionalism, we would like to express our full confidence in him and assure him of our cooperation. I would also like to thank the Panel of Experts established pursuant to paragraph 29 of resolution 1929 (2010). We encourage it to continue, under the aegis of the Committee, to participate in the various conferences and meetings having to do with the Committee’s mandate and, above all, to pursue the dialogue undertaken with Member States during the visits that it makes to the countries concerned. The Committee continues to consider all the cases referred to it. We hope that it will continue to benefit from the cooperation of Member States and the professionalism and impartiality of the Panel of Experts. We call on the Committee to continue to consider all the assistance notices and to call for their application, given their importance for the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. We would also highlight the need to pursue the consideration of the final report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2012/395), in particular the recommendations it contains. In the summary of its 16 November report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stressed that few concrete results had been achieved in terms of resolving the pending issues with respect to the Iranian nuclear programme, despite the three series of talks held in Tehran since the previous December. We therefore hope that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA will quickly reach agreement on a structured approach to undertaking substantive work on the pending issues. As the only institution with the competency to deal with safeguards, the IAEA must have all the cooperation necessary to make concrete progress on the pending issues. At the same time, we welcome the positive atmosphere in which the most recent talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany, held on 26 and 27 February in Almaty, Kazakhstan. On the basis of our belief that dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful means are the only way to resolve this issue, we hope that the dialogue that has been undertaken, which will continue in March in Istanbul and in April in Almaty, will allow for progress towards a negotiated solution. I would like to highlight the urgent need to prevent any weakening of the non-proliferation regime and to ensure that all States are in strict compliance with their safeguards obligations. Non-compliance with obligations undertaken through the voluntary and sovereign decision to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will only make the achievement of the global goal of nuclear disarmament more difficult and out of reach. My country remains firmly attached to that goal. At the same time, we reaffirm the right of every State to use nuclear energy for exclusively peaceful ends. The non-proliferation regime depends upon a delicate balance between the rights and obligations of States. It is important to protect, preserve and ensure full respect for that balance.

I congratulate Ambassador Gary Quinlan of Australia on assuming the chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I thank him for his first briefing before the Council on the 90-day report of the Committee and for the commendable work he is doing at the helm of the Committee. I also commend the Panel of Experts created by resolution 1929 (2010) for its valuable support to the work of the Committee. Rwanda believes that it is the right of every country to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. However, it is clear that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran is of particular concern for the international community. Iran is party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Therefore, it shall fulfil all its obligations under the NPT, fully cooperate with the IAEA and comply with all the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We are particularly concerned about the regional dimension of the crisis. The continued enrichment of uranium, violation of Security Council resolutions, lack of adequate cooperation with the IAEA, slow path of negotiations and legitimate security concerns of countries of the region are all elements that could transform this crisis into an additional conflict that the Middle East does not deserve. In that respect, it is of paramount importance that the Islamic Republic of Iran take all the necessary measures that could convince the international community of the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. That confidence-building approach is the only way to ensure that the United Nations and the larger international community lift the sanctions that continue to harm the Iranian people. To conclude, we reiterate our support to the negotiations between the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the purpose of which is to find a diplomatic and political solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis. We commend the constructive talks that the two sides recently held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and we hope that the next talks, scheduled for next month, will reach tangible results.

I would like to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for presenting the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I also appreciate his leadership of that important Committee. The Republic of Korea calls upon Iran to immediately comply with all the relevant Security Council resolutions in which the Council decided that Iran shall halt all proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities. My Government remains deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear programme as described in the latest report (see S/2013/103) of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It is regrettable that progress has not been made in resolving the outstanding issues, including the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme. It is disappointing that Iran continues to expand its enrichment capacity by installing more advanced centrifuges in Natanz. Extensive activities and resultant changes at the Parchin site undermine the IAEA’s capacity for effective verification. We urge the Iranian Government to engage with the IAEA and provide it with the necessary cooperation without further delay. In the recent meeting between the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1) and Iran, in Almaty, they agreed to further meetings in the future. We look forward to Iran responding constructively to the proposal of the P5+1. As a State Member of the United Nations, Iran must comply with all the relevant Security Council resolutions. In that context, some incidents described in the 90-day report of the 1737 Committee are indeed troubling. First of all, we have serious concerns about the report from the Government of Yemen regarding the alleged transfer of arms from Iran. Such illicit arms transfers would destabilize Yemen’s political transition and undermine regional stability. With the help of the Panel, the Committee must conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and act on its findings. Secondly, we also express concern with regard to the Panel’s compilation of public statements that admit Iran’s military assistance to Gaza. That case requires further investigation by the Committee. Thirdly, the Panel of Experts clearly concluded in its recent report that Iran’s ballistic missile launches during its military exercise in July 2012 constituted a violation of resolution 1929 (2010). The Committee should take appropriate action, including the designation for sanctions of individuals and entities responsible for that violation. The repeated violation of resolutions with impunity will undermine the authority and credibility of the Security Council. The role of the Committee and the Panel of Experts is crucial to ensuring that sanctions are implemented effectively and efficiently. Lastly, once again, we urge Iran to address the serious concerns regarding its nuclear programme and to comply immediately and fully with the relevant Security Council and IAEA resolutions. We stress that extraordinary efforts will be required to regain the lost confidence of the international community.

I, too, would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his 90-day report and to take this opportunity to wish him the greatest of success in his task as Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I would also like to thank the Panel of Experts for its work in support of the Committee. The Council has taken note of the 21 February report (see S/2013/103) of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That report once again drew attention to Iran’s refusal to meet its international obligations and commitments under the resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. The report underscores several elements of concern, including the absence of substantive discussions between the IAEA and Iran on unresolved issues and the possible military dimension of the Iranian nuclear programme. Iran, as we know, resorts to making objections on methods so as not to respond substantively. The Agency has still not had access to the Parchin military site. Another element of concern is the continuation of enrichment activities at Natanz and Fordow, with no credible civilian aim. Twenty-per cent-enriched uranium continues to be accumulated. Enrichment capacity is also being stepped up, in both quantity and quality. That is what we have concluded from the announcement, on 23 January, of the installation of new generation centrifuges at the Natanz enrichment facility. The deployment and use of centrifuges on such an industrial scale represents a significant development in Iranian capacity to produce enriched uranium. It is without a doubt another violation by Iran of its international obligations. Finally, let us not forget that other nuclear activities are continuing, including those related to the construction of a heavy water reactor, without Iran allowing the IAEA to carry out verification. The quarterly report of the 1737 Committee also shows that Iran is still not meeting its international obligations, as it continues to pursue its illicit nuclear and ballistic activities as well as its attempts to get around sanctions. France is concerned by the repeated violations by Iran of the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council, which are fuelling the spiral of violence in the Middle East. In particular, we have already expressed our concern regarding the transfer of arms from Iran to Syria. Several such cases were noted by the Experts’ report. We welcome, in that regard, the imposition of sanctions on Yas Air and SAD Export Import Company, which were implicated in attempts to deliver weapons to Syria. We are also concerned by information relating to the transfer of arms and ballistic material to non-State actors in Gaza. The Panel of Experts provided the Committee with a compilation of statements by Iranian officials on that matter. Iran must explain those deliveries, which represent a violation of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1747 (2007). Yemen also recently informed the Council of the seizure off its coast of a large quantity of weapons originating in Iran and likely destined for Yemeni insurgents, risking the destabilization of the political transition process in that country. Developments continued in the Iranian ballistic programme during the reporting period, with contempt for Council resolutions. Iran launched Shahab-1 and Shahab-3 missiles in July 2012 as part of Great Prophet VII military exercises. France, together with Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, notified the Committee of that new violation of resolution 1929 (2010), following which the Panel of Experts carried out an investigation leading to a report concluding unambiguously that the exercise undeniably constituted a violation of resolution 1929 (2010). In that case, as in the others I mentioned, the 1737 Committee must remind Iran of its obligations. It must, together with the experts, consider the appropriate measures that must be taken, including the imposition of sanctions against the entities and persons responsible. We remain open to dialogue, as shown by the numerous meetings held between the E3+3 with Iran in 2012. More recently, during the Almaty meeting held on 26 and 27 February, the E3+3 put new, balanced proposals to Iran, which bear witness once again to the will of the six parties to react positively if Iran undertook the necessary steps to respond to the urgent concerns of the international community. While those discussions allowed for useful first steps to be taken, they did not produce concrete results. The discussions will therefore continue, first between experts in March, then at the political director level in early April to evaluate the situation. We remain, with our partners in the group, fully committed to seeking solutions providing for concrete progress to be made. But nothing will be possible without clear political will on the part of Iran to respond to the concerns of the international community. Unfortunately, Iran has yet to show any such will.

I thank the representative of France for his statement. I shall now make a statement in my national capacity as representative of the Russian Federation. We congratulate Gary Quinlan on assuming his role as Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We hope that under the Australian leadership the Committee will continue to act in an impartial and objective manner to find a political and diplomatic settlement to the situation regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. The Chairman can count on our solid support. The Committee has worked hard over the past three months to continue efforts in different areas of its activities, including investigations of possible sanctions violations, processing information received and agreeing on different draft documents. We note the work of the Panel of Experts in providing the Committee with valuable assistance. We continue to feel that the Panel must work on an impartial and objective basis guided by the Committee. With regard to the investigation of possible cases of sanctions violations, an important area of work, we should like to underscore that the conclusion and assessments of the Committee must be based only on verified and reliable information with a careful analysis of the conditions surrounding the incidents. Hasty conclusions have no place in that regard. That pertains equally to the work of the Panel. Russia has consistently called for a political and diplomatic settlement of the situation with regard to Iran’s nuclear programme and sees no alternative to a negotiated settlement. Efforts here must be carried out on the basis of the principles of consistency and reciprocity and in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We remain convinced that the collective activities of the international community in resolving pending matters pertaining to Iran’s nuclear programme are undermined by unilateral sanctions, which in a number of cases are extraterritorial in nature. That is categorically unacceptable under international law. We call for progress in the negotiations process in the six-party talks, as well as in talks between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We hope that the forthcoming six-party talks with Iran next week will be effective and allow for both sides to come together in their positions. On the whole, we understand the indisputable right of Iran to develop a civilian nuclear programme, including enrichment, after resolving all outstanding issues and bringing Iran’s nuclear programme come under the reliable and comprehensive oversight of the IAEA. Russia continues to do all that devolves upon it to achieve progress in resolving the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to Ambassador Quinlan to respond to comments and questions.

I will be very brief, knowing how busy the programme is. I would just like to thank Council members for their contributions this morning and for the warm welcome they have given to the Australian chairmanship. At this stage, I would also like to thank my predecessor and acknowledge his contribution, Ambassador Néstor Osorio, who is now President of the Economic and Social Council. Since this is my first report to the Council, I would like to emphasize that we are very conscious of the responsibilities we have as Chair and the need to work impartially and objectively to secure evidence and to ensure that we are very professional about that. In that regard, I would like to recognize the contribution of the Panel of Experts. They are clearly an indispensable professional platform for our work. I would also like to express my appreciation for the very professional support of the Secretariat. We need, and we see, an organic working relationship among the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), the Panel and the Secretariat. The Committee is just finalizing a programme of work for the next little while, which covers its obligations on compliance, investigations, outreach, dialogue, assistance and cooperation. I think that we have made a good start. I would like to thank Committee members for that. The Committee next meets on 15 March. Finally, some Council members have raised the issue of the transparency of the Committee’s work and, like my predecessor, Ambassador Osorio, I would like to provide forums where the Committee and Panel members can engage with the broader United Nations membership. We will work with the Committee members to make arrangements for a briefing in the coming months.

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