S/PV.7350 Security Council

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 Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I now give the floor to Ambassador Quinlan.

I have the honour to present the report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), in accordance with paragraph 18 (h) of the same resolution. The present report covers the period from 13 September to 17 December 2014, during which time the Committee held two informal meetings, on 20 October and 8 December, and conducted additional work using the no-objection procedure envisioned by paragraph 15 of the guidelines for the conduct of its work. In view of the recent developments relating to the Joint Plan of Action, the Committee welcomes the renewed commitment of all parties to continue negotiations towards finding a comprehensive agreement. In that regard, I would like to emphasize once again that the Security Council measures imposed under resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010) remain in full effect as negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran continue, and States have an obligation to implement them duly. The Committee remains fully committed to the implementation of all the relevant resolutions and stands ready to provide guidance to Member States that request assistance. It is my hope that the extension will encourage Iran to engage constructively with the Council and the Committee. In that respect, while no new incidents were reported to the Committee during the current reporting period, I would recall that the Committee twice reached out to Iran earlier this year in relation to incidents investigated by the Panel of Experts on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Committee wrote on 27 March seeking Iran’s comments in relation to a carbon-fibre interdiction, and on 9 July in relation to an interdiction in the Red Sea of a cargo of conventional arms. Iran has not yet provided a response and the Committee continues to call on Iran to do so. The Committee continues to assist States and international organizations in implementing the relevant Security Council measures. They include considering requests for guidance on a range of issues, including whether proposals for providing technical assistance to Iran in the fields of energy efficiency and mine action, as well as other cooperation proposals, are permitted under the sanctions measures. The Committee welcomes such engagement on matters of implementation and compliance and encourages parties to continue to seek guidance from the Committee on the application of the Council’s measures. Paragraph 15 of resolution 1737 (2006) and paragraph 4 of resolution 1747 (2007) allow for payments owed by a designated entity under a contract that entered into force prior to its designation to be made from that entity’s frozen funds, subject to prior notification to the Committee. The Committee received such a notification from a Member State in accordance with paragraph 15 of resolution 1737 (2006) and paragraph 4 of resolution 1747 (2007). Similarly, a Member State notified the Committee of its delivery of equipment, intended for use in a light-water reactor, to the Bushehr nuclear power plant, in accordance with paragraph 5 of resolution 1737 (2006). During the reporting period, the Committee received a delisting request from an entity that is currently on the Committee’s sanctionsl list through the focal point for delisting established under resolution 1730 (2006). As mentioned in my previous briefings to the Council, the Committee had considered a similar request from the entity earlier. On 30 September, the Committee again rejected the delisting request and communicated to the focal point the reasons for the rejection, which the focal point has transmitted to the entity. In view of actions taken by Member States to implement the relevant Security Council measures, the Committee encourages States that have not yet submitted reports to do so as soon as possible, in recognition of the fact that national implementation reports are an important means of enhancing the implementation of the sanctions measures. In connection with the Panel of Experts, the Committee considered the Panel’s midterm report, which was submitted to the Security Council on 8 December. As mandated by resolution 2159 (2014), in advance of the submission to the Council, the Committee discussed the Panel’s report during its latest informal meeting on 8 December. The midterm report offered a snapshot of the Panel’s range of activities and the ongoing actions of States in taking environmentforcement action related to sanctions. That includes the Panel’s investigations into ongoing procurement by Iran, the transfer or alleged transfer of items alleged to be for Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and possible violations of the travel ban. During the Committee’s consideration of the Panel’s midterm report, members welcomed the report and took note of the Panel’s key activities since the renewal of its mandate in June. The Committee also continued its consideration of the 2014 final report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2014/394), in particular in view of any follow-up action by the Committee. Taking into account the report’s conclusions, the Committee intends to continue its deliberations on the recommendations of the report. On behalf of the Committee, I would like to recognize the significant efforts of the Panel in assisting the Committee’s work, and wish its members success and continued close and fruitful collaboration with the Committee and the incoming Chairmanship. Lastly, I wish to note that this will be my last briefing to the Council in my capacity as Chair of the Committee. I would like to convey my thanks to the members of the Committee, the Panel and our colleagues in the Secretariat for their hard work and assistance in advancing the Committee’s work. It has been a privilege to serve as Committee Chair for the past two years.

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

I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing and for his leadership of the Committee over the last two years. Because of his diligence and commitment, the Committee’s work has been energized. He and his team have done a great job helping the Committee carry out its mandate, improve the transparency of its work and tighten relationships with other international bodies. I ask him to please accept the United States deep appreciation of his efforts. The Security Council established this Committee eight years ago this month, back in 2006, because the international community had serious doubts about the peaceful intentions of Iran’s nuclear programme. Since then the Committee’s work has been an integral element of our broader diplomatic strategy. That Committee has helped many countries implement the increasingly robust United Nations sanctions. With the support of its Panel of Experts, the Committee has investigated serious sanctions violations and developed an impressive understanding of Iran’s proliferation networks. The Committee has also cracked down on Iran’s arms smuggling, stemming the flow of weapons to a volatile region. Yet today, several years later, the international community still does not have confidence in Iran’s nuclear programme. To resolve these issues, Iran is now in serious dialogue with the P5+1 countries. To give those negotiations the best chance of success, last month we decided to extend them for an additional seven months. While we continue to believe that the best way to achieve our goals is through diplomacy, we are not going to sit at the negotiating table forever. As we have said many times, we do not just want any agreement, we want the right agreement. Plainly and simply, the negotiations must find ways to ensure that Iran does not, and cannot, acquire a nuclear weapon. As the talk continue, we should consider how the Security Council’s Iran Sanctions Committee can best support them. Our advice to the Committee is simple: keep doing what it is doing. During this period the Committee must absolutely continue its vital work monitoring and improving the enforcement of these critical sanctions. Similarly, the Panel of Experts should continue its work in investigating violations and reaching out to Member States. Unless or until the Security Council modifies the sanctions, the pace and intensity of this work should remain robust. Recent reporting from the Panel of Experts reminds us why that is so important. We know that Iran is still trying to procure sensitive nuclear technology. We know Iran is still smuggling arms in violation of resolution 1747 (2007). And we know that Iran’s leaders forthrightly reject the Council’s resolution, as they speak publicly about their destabilizing arms shipments to Syria, Hizbullah in Lebanon and Iraq. Responding effectively to those violations is at the core of the Committee’s mandate. Any breach of the sanctions is a serious matter, as it is dangerous, violates international law and undermines the Security Council’s credibility. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work with Committee members to ensure that the Security Council’s resolution are not violated with impunity. The Committee’s outreach work in advising Member States and answering questions about the sanctions is critically important. The Committee and the Panel must continue to remind Member States of the need to sustain the full and robust implementation of the sanctions. Our determination to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains clear. We are committed to resolving this issue peacefully through diplomacy. Sanctions are critical to that effort, and we intend to ensure that this important body is able to carry out its mandate effectively.

I thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing. Over the past two years, Ambassador Quinlan and his team have worked hard to promote the Committee’s work. China wishes to express its appreciation and thanks for all of that. China has always attached great importance to the work of the Committee, and we are ready to continue our cooperation with the new Chair and work with all the parties to implement the work plans of the Committee. Not long ago, the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany and Iran decided to extend the negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, thus allowing more time and space for diplomatic efforts. Yesterday, the six countries and Iran began a new round of negotiations in Geneva on a comprehensive agreement. That positive momentum does not come by easily and should be valued by all parties. The most important task in the next stage is to take advantage of the momentum, adhere to the consensus, focus on and bridge the differences, on the basis of the principle of a step-by-step approach and of reciprocity so as to reach a comprehensive win-win and mutually beneficial agreement at an early date. China is pleased to see that the cooperation between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran has continued to maintain its positive momentum. We hope that the Agency will play a constructive role in placing Iranian facilities under safeguards and promoting a peaceful solution of the Iranian nuclear issue. China encourages Iran to further strengthen its cooperation with the Agency so as to continue to promote the solution of the outstanding issues on the Iranian nuclear file. Over the recent period, all parties have maintained close communication with regard to the relevant work of the Committee. All Member States have the obligation to implement the Council’s resolutions on sanctions against Iran seriously and precisely. But sanctions themselves are not the end of the resolutions, and the reinforced sanctions are not the criteria whereby to judge the work of the Committee. Under the current circumstances, both the Committee and the Panel of Experts should take a long-term view, have the big picture in mind and support and cooperate with the diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. At the same time, all parties should, in a spirit of objectivity, impartiality and pragmatism, continue an in-depth discussion and reach conclusions based on consensus. China has taken note of the midterm report submitted by the Panel of Experts and we acknowledge the efforts of the experts. We hope that, as mandated by resolution 1737 (2006) and guided by the Committee, the Panel will continue to strictly carry out its work prudently and soundly. China has all along believed that dialogue and negotiation are the only right way to solve the Iranian nuclear issue appropriately. We have been acting in an objective and fair and responsible manner to push for talks and a peaceful solution. We have played a constructive role in promoting negotiation on a comprehensive agreement. China is ready to work with all parties and make its contribution to reaching a comprehensive, appropriate and long-term solution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

First, I would like to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his briefing and forf the unstinting work he accomplished with his team over the past two years at the head of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). The dynamism, vigour and high professionalism were the essential characteristics of the Australian delegation in carrying out that important task, and we are particularly grateful to them for that. We should also like to wish to every success to Spain taking up the chairmanship of the Committee in 2015. As underscored by Ambassador Quinlan in his briefing and, as is explicitly stated in the Joint Action Plan, Security Council resolutions remain in full force in the framework of the negotiations under way, as well as in the period preceding a comprehensive settlement to the proliferation crisis in Iran. It was therefore with concern that we welcomed the midterm report of the Panel of Experts of the Committee, which was provided to the Council a few days ago. The information in the report on Iran’s attempts to acquire proscribed sensitive materials and the possible movements of individuals on the sanctions list reminds us that it is essential to continue to exercise vigilance regarding Iran’s activities. The Committee is indeed still waiting for Iran’s response regarding the weapons intercepted on board the Klos C ship coming from Iran, which the Panel has confirmed were illegal and in violation of Security Council resolutions. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Panel for it tireless work, and necessary to the work of the 1737 Committee. Since the adoption of the Joint Plan of Action, a little over a year ago, the E3+3 have been negotiating with Iran along clear lines: Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for civilian purposes, but it should not develop nuclear weapons. A long-term agreement must therefore include all the guarantees necessary to establish the exclusively peaceful purpose of the Iranian nuclear programme. The most recent negotiations have resulted in extensive and useful exchanges among members of the group of six and Iran. Despite the lack of flexibility demonstrated at this stage by Iranian negotiators, we want to believe in Tehran’s political will to reach a long-term agreement. We therefore expect it to make the strategic choices and take the courageous decisions that are necessary. During the series of negotiations in Vienna in November, new ideas were presented that deserved careful consideration by the members of the Panel. It is in that context that the E3+3 and Iran have agreed to an extension of discussions and negotiations, under the terms of the Joint Plan of Action, until 30 June 2015. During that period, Iran must continue to meet its commitments under the interim agreement of 24 November 2013, which has been implemented thus far. In that respect, the crucial role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in verifying Iran’s compliance with these commitments should be welcomed. It is a significant effort on its part, and France will play its full role by making an extrabudgetary financial contribution to support the IAEA monitoring and verification activities. We remain fully engaged and committed to reaching a credible, robust and durable agreement that serves the goal of peace and security and restores confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. An improvement in the cooperation between Iran and the IAEA is also needed, in particular regarding the possible military dimension, both past and present, of its nuclear programme. While Iran had complied until August 2014 with the cooperation framework approved last year with the Agency, the Agency reported in its most recent report the lack of any progress on the issues that had been identified, and this situation is very worrying. The settlement of all issues related to the possible military dimension of Iran’s nuclear programme is indeed a key element for restoring confidence, and therefore for achieving the long-term agreement that we all want.

We thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his briefing on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), which he chairs, for this reporting period. As this is Mr. Quinlan’s last briefing as Chair of the Committee, we would like to thank him and the Australian delegation for chairing that subsidiary body of the Security Council for the past two years. We note the efforts of the Panel of Experts, which provided useful assistance. We continue to carefully study the midterm report of the Panel, which was recently discussed at the Committee’s meeting. On 24 November, in Vienna, another round of negotiations was concluded on one of the most difficult issues in current international relations, that is, settling the matter of the Iranian nuclear programme. In spite of the fact that those negotiations have been ongoing for some time now, just in the last year, new impetus was provided to them, after a Joint Plan of Action was agreed in Geneva. In that regard, we would like to note that the manifest progress achieved in this area was to a great extent the result of thinking outside of the box and creative technical and political ideas presented by the Russian delegation. Over the past year, the Plan was strictly complied with, thus allowing for significant progress in moving towards a decisive agreement. The talks will go on, as demonstrated by the recently concluded Geneva round of consultations of political directors. At the three-to- four-month mark, a document must be produced that sets out all the basic principles. The parameters for their implementation will then be discussed in technical and drafting consultations. For the moment, we consider it important to underscore that, at this critical stage of the negotiations progress regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, any activities of the Committee that could be interpreted as extending beyond its direct purview would be harmful. This applies equally to the essentially pointless repetition of the idea that all legitimate sanctions against Iran will remain in full effect. Any conscientious member of the international community understands that fact without prompting from the outside. Demonstrating excessive zeal is sometimes dangerous, as stated by the great Talleyrand. What is important today is that all participants in the negotiations aim to work energetically in an uninterrupted manner. For our part, we will continue to do everything within our area of responsibility for a definitive and comprehensive solution to all issues having to do with the Iranian nuclear programme and the lifting of the sanctions against Iran pursuant to Security Council resolutions.

At the outset, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Gary Quinlan for his very comprehensive briefing and for his efforts and leadership as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We would also like to thank the Panel of Experts for their efforts in preparing the report. Jordan is pleased with the extension of negotiations and the new meeting between Iran and the E3+3 in Geneva yesterday. That confirms a true desire on the part of all stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Nevertheless, we reiterate that the Committee must carry out its responsibilities in parallel with the efforts undertaken for a comprehensive agreement, pursuant to the relevant Security Council resolutions. In that context, my delegation calls upon the Committee to continue its investigations regarding violations and to engage with the Iranian Government so as to obtain clarifications regarding those violations over the reporting period. Moreover, we appreciate the role of the Committee in assisting States and international institutions in the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, namely, by considering requests from States regarding the provision of technical assistance in the energy and extractive industries. That allows States and institutions to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions. Regarding the number of States having presented their reports on measures undertaken to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, we encourage States to present those reports as quickly as possible and to coordinate with the Panel of Experts. The success of the work of the Committee depends on States’ presentation of those reports. Finally, I would like to wish Ambassador Quinlan every success in his future endeavours. It was our pleasure to work with him and his team.

Like others before me, I, too, would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Australia, Ambassador Gary Quinlan, for his briefing. I would also like to congratulate him and his entire team for the excellent work they have achieved in the past two years as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I would also like to express the appreciation of my delegation to the independent Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1929 (2010) for their valuable contribution to the work of the Sanctions Committee. Although the last round of talks between Iran and the E3+3 Group did not lead to the achievement, on 24 November, of the desired result, we would like to believe that a breakthrough on the path to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue remains possible. The new extension, this time for seven months, of the Joint Plan of Action offers an opportunity to bring to an end the considerable reconciliation efforts being undertaken by both sides for more than a year. The resumption of negotiations yesterday in Geneva between Iran and the E3+3 is, in this respect, an encouraging development. However, while negotiations resume, and in the absence of an agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, the relevant Security Council resolutions continue to apply in their entirety. The obligations of Member States under these resolutions also remain fully in force. Ultimately, it is up to the Iranian authorities to make the necessary choices to open a new chapter in their relations with the international community. In that regard, the crucial issue is trust. Iran must fully honour its obligations and provide the necessary assurances so that the international community will have trust in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. If doubts remain in this regard, then the distrust of the international community will persist as well. However, in his latest report, of 7 November, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to deplore the lack of cooperation on the part of Iran concerning the clarification of pending questions linked to the possible military dimensions of its nuclear programme. Such a lack of transparency is not likely to reassure others about the purpose of Iran’s intentions. Restoring confidence also requires better cooperation between Iran and the IAEA on these issues. Before concluding, I would like to reiterate the full support of Luxembourg for the diplomatic efforts being made by the E3+3 Group to achieve with Iran a complete, negotiated and long-term resolution of the nuclear issue. We also express the hope that the progress made so far will be able to be completed in the near future. In conclusion, I would like to commend the efforts of Catherine Ashton, who in recent years has led the efforts of the E3+3 Group with great energy and a tireless commitment. We wish her every success in her new functions as Special Adviser of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, responsible for facilitating the talks with Iran on the nuclear issue.

We thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for introducing the quarterly report of the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We greatly value and acknowledge the role of Australia as Chair of the Committee for the past two years. We also want to thank the Panel of Experts and its coordinator for introducing the midterm report made to the 1737 Committee on Monday, 8 December. With respect to the negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran, we appreciate the commitment achieved by the parties to renew the Joint Plan of Action until the end of June 2015, which will allow the dialogue to continue in the search for a comprehensive settlement. Chile also notes the report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and we call on the IAEA to continue supporting the Joint Plan of Action through the ongoing monitoring and verification activities of the voluntary measures contemplated in the Plan. We believe that, despite the challenges, it is essential to maintain the positive atmosphere that has prevailed in the negotiations. The Council must continue to make a constructive contribution in this case, with the understanding that it is in the common interest that an agreement be achieved to restore international trust. Lastly, we encourage Iran to improve its cooperation with the Committee and the Board of Governors of the IAEA. If we do not achieve a comprehensive and satisfactory agreement, the measures taken by the Security Council with regard to Iran’s in nuclear programme will remain in force.

At the outset, I thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan and his very able team for the 90-day report, as well as for his chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) during the last two years. My delegation truly appreciates his efforts in promoting a consultative approach in the work of the Committee, as well as the active encouragement of the outreach activities by the Panel of Experts at a time when it is crucial to remind Member States that during the E3+3 and Iran negotiations, Security Council measures remain in full force. Lithuania welcomes the decision by the E3+3 and Iran to continue their diplomatic efforts with a view to completing negotiations by March 2015 and finalizing possible remaining technical and drafting work by the end of June 2015. We also note the commitment by Iran and the E3+3 to extend the implementation of all measures foreseen in the Joint Plan of Action, and in particular the European Union’s decision to extend the sanctions relief. Finally, we welcome the appointment of Catherine Ashton as Special Adviser of the European Union High Representative for facilitating the nuclear talks with Iran. Lithuania fully supports efforts by the E3+3 and underlines that Iran’s willingness to show flexibility in bridging remaining gaps will determine the eventual success of the process. Iran must engage constructively with the E3+3 on all outstanding issues to achieve verifiable confidence by the international community in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. The momentum in the negotiations should not be lost and parties should complete them in the shortest possible time. We welcome yesterday’s meeting in Geneva at the level of political directors in this regard. Lithuania also closely follows the dialogue and cooperation of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the Framework for Cooperation. While we welcome the implementation of practical measures, we are concerned by the conclusion by the IAEA that Iran has not provided any explanations that could enable the Agency to clarify the two outstanding practical measures related to the initiation of high explosives and to neutron transport calculations. It is also unfortunate that Iran has not yet proposed further practical measures, despite repeated calls by the Agency. We reiterate that the provision of all pertinent information as well as unimpeded access to various facilities are key to enabling the Agency to have a clear understanding of Iran’s nuclear programme. Turning to the work of the Committee, it is important to reiterate that the Joint Plan of Action does not have any effect on sanctions measures imposed by the relevant the Security Council resolutions. All Council sanctions imposed on Iran therefore remain in full effect as negotiations between the E3+3 and Iran continue, and States have an obligation to implement them. The work of both of the Committee and the Panel of Experts in verifying compliance should also remain unaffected. In that regard, we encourage Iran to engage with the Committee in facilitating its investigations. Four letters by the Committee are now awaiting a response by Iran. In particular, Iran is yet to provide information on the attempted transfer of concealed rockets, mortars and related material on the Klos C vessel, which was recognized by the Panel of Experts as another violation of Iran’s obligations pursuant to the relevant Security Council resolutions. We thank the Panel of Experts for the midterm report, which offeres useful insights into Iran’s ongoing procurement practices and possible violations of the travel ban. We look forward to the Panel’s further investigations in that regard. Before concluding, I would like to reiterate our hope that Iran’s engagement in the E3+3 talks will lead to a comprehensive, negotiated and long-term solution that will strengthen international confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.

I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We appreciate his excellent leadership as Committee Chair for the past two years. We also thank the Panel of Experts for the valuable support they have provided to the Committee. The Republic of Korea has been closely following the talks between Iran and the P5+1, as well as between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. We reaffirm our support for the continuing diplomatic efforts and look forward to the achievement of a comprehensive solution within the newly extended time frame. In that regard, we welcome the decision of the P5+1 to resume the negotiations in Geneva yesterday. At the same time, we emphasize that Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA is essential in order to clarify current and past unresolved issues, including the possible military dimension of the nuclear programme. A comprehensive agreement would strengthen the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and send a positive signal on other non-proliferation issues. Regarding the Committee’s work, as the Chair highlighted, the measures imposed in the relevant resolutions remain in full effect and States’ obligations to implement them are unchanged. We expect the Committee and the Panel of Experts to continue to assist Member States in implementing those obligations. We welcome the submission of the midterm report of the Panel of Experts. It provides a useful point of reference on the status of the Panel’s activities and the implementation of the relevant resolutions, and reminds us that we should be vigilant about continued activities prohibited under those resolutions. Lastly, we note that Iran has yet to respond to letters from the Committee, including two sent this year relating to a carbon fibre interdiction and an interdiction of a cargo of conventional arms in the Red Sea. We urge Iran to cooperate constructively with the Committee, since that is crucial if we are all to move forward. Once again, we commend the work over the past two years of the Chair and his team, as well as that of the Panel of Experts and the Secretariat. Though the Republic of Korea is also soon to leave the Council, we will continue to support its work and that of the Committee.

I would like to thank the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) under the leadership of Ambassador Quinlan, as well as the Panel of Experts, for their continued work in supporting implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions on Iran. The United Kingdom would like to pay warm tribute to Ambassador Quinlan’s efforts during the period in which he has chaired the Committee. As is well known, following negotiations in Vienna in November between the E3+3 and Iran on the comprehensive agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, agreement was reached on continuing negotiations and extending the terms of the interim nuclear deal until the end of June 2015. We aim to have a political framework for a final deal as soon as possible. The recent Vienna talks were tough and intensive, but progress was made. Both sides are committed to a deal that we still believe is possible. Extension does not and must not mean a pause. We have momentum towards a deal and must capitalize on that. Further talks have also just concluded in Geneva on continuing to explore with Iran ways to bridge some of the significant gaps that remain. Iran needs to show greater flexibility with its programme, and take some tough decisions, if we are to achieve a lasting deal. In return, the E3+3 is willing to give substantial sanctions relief that would have a positive impact on Iran’s economy. As today’s report reminds us, and as the Chair of the Committee has just emphasized in his remarks, while negotiations continue the bulk of sanctions, including all United Nations sanctions and obligations on States Members of the United Nations arising from Security Council resolutions, remain in place and fully in force. Turning to the work of the Committee, the United Kingdom remains concerned about breaches by Iran of its international obligations, and by Iran’s failure to respond to the concerns of the international community, represented by the Committee. We note in particular Iran’s continued failure to respond to previous requests for information on the interdiction on 31 March of a vessel carrying a cargo of conventional arms on the Red Sea. We urge Iran to reply to the Committee’s letter of 9 July seeking comments on the incident. We also urge Iran to respond to the Committee’s letter of 27 March concerning a carbon fibre interdiction. We continue to call on Iran to engage with the Committee on such incidents. The Committee must continue its work to robustly implement and enforce the relevant Security Council sanctions measures on Iran. We therefore welcome its guidance and assistance to Member States and international organizations, and the range of activities and investigations carried out by the Panel of Experts. Notwithstanding the progress of the nuclear negotiations, Member States should continue to be vigilant and willing to report any violations, in accordance with the requirements set out in the resolutions. The United Kingdom remains committed to finding a negotiated and lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. A comprehensive deal with Iran is in all our interests, and the ongoing discussions provide the best opportunity in years to achieve it. For the international community, it would provide reassurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes, as well as a safer region in a time of great unrest and instability. For Iran, it would mean the ability to trade freely with the world again and to reset relationships with the international community.

I too would like to thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), Ambassador Gary Quinlan, for his presentation of the report of the Committee. Nigeria commends the Committee for its continued assistance to States and international organizations in their implementation of the relevant Security Council measures on the 1737 (2006) sanctions. It is essential to protecting the integrity of the decisions taken by the Council and ensuring that States do not unknowingly flout the Iran sanctions regime. It is important that States continue to seek guidance from the Committee on proposals for technical cooperation with Iran on matters within the Committee’s purview. The Chair’s report indicates that the Committee has requested comments from Iran on two incidents investigated by the Panel of Experts. We are concerned that Iran has not responded to those requests. It is important that the Iranian authorities demonstrate their cooperation with the Committee by responding to the requests for comment without further delay. We commend the efforts of the Panel of Experts, which have contributed significantly to the Committee’s work. We note that the Committee is continuing its consideration of the Panel’s 2014 final report, and look forward to the Committee’s decisions on the recommendations it contains. Nigeria has been following with keen interest the negotiations between Iran and the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany. We note that negotiations resumed in Geneva yesterday and that the deadline for reaching an agreement has been extended to 1 July 2015. We urge the Iranian authorities to continue to negotiate in good faith with a view to reassuring the international community of the peaceful intentions of their nuclear programme. Since this is the last briefing by Ambassador Quinlan in his capacity as Chair of the 1737 Committee, on behalf of the Nigerian delegation I would like to pay tribute to him for his astute leadership of the Committee over the past two years. We are honoured to have worked with him and would like to take the opportunity to wish him the very best in his future assignments.

I thank Ambassador Quinlan of Australia for his presentation of the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I wish to reiterate our appreciation for the tremendous work achieved by the Committee under his able leadership. I hope that the work of the Committee will continue to grow under the leadership of the incoming Chair, Spain. Rwanda commends the continuing efforts of the Committee in ensuring full compliance with resolution 1737 (2006) and other relevant resolutions. Rwanda joins the voice of the Committee’s Chair in welcoming the renewed commitment of the P5+1 and Iran to continuing negotiations towards finding a comprehensive agreement in the framework of the Joint Plan of Action. Although we believe that the 1737 Committee and its Panel of Experts must endeavour to respond to the efforts of the P5+1 and Iran, we also agree that while we wait for a comprehensive agreement, measures imposed by the Council in its numerous resolutions must remain in full effect and States must continue their full implementation. We commend the continuing assistance of the 1737 Committee to national and international organizations in implementing relevant Security Council measures, notably the consideration of requests for guidance covering a range of issues, including whether a proposal for providing technical assistance to Iran in the field of energy efficiency and mine action, as well as other cooperation proposals, are permitted by the sanctions measures. We value and encourage the strengthening of such information exchange between the Committee and national or international organizations in relation to the implementation of resolution 1737 (2006) and other similar resolutions. On the issue of communications between Iran and the Committee or its Panel of Experts, it is unfortunate that Iran has not yet responded to two letters written by the Committee, respectively, on 27 March in relation to a carbon fibre interdiction, and on 9 July in relation to an interdiction in the Red Sea of a cargo of conventional arms. In that context, we once again urge the Government of Iran to cooperate with the Committee and its Panel of Experts by responding to the communications seeking clarification on suspected Iranian violations of resolution 1737 (2006) and other pertinent resolutions.

At the outset, as this is the last meeting in which Ambassador Quinlan will act as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), I should like to thank him and his team for their dedication and effective work in steering the Committee over the past two years. Like the Chair of the Committee, I welcome the renewed commitment of all parties to continuing the negotiations towards achieving a comprehensive agreement between the Iran and the P5+1. We believe that extending the timeline for the agreement highlights the value of diplomatic measures in achieving solutions through negotiations. Likewise, we welcome the fact that the P5+1 and Iran have requested the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to pursue its nuclear energy monitoring and verification activities as a requirement in implementing the Joint Plan of Action, and that the Board of Governors has approved those functions. With respect to the most recent report of the Director General of the IAEA, we are encouraged by the holding of technical meetings between Iran and the Agency to consider the two pending practical measures agreed in May for the third phase of the cooperation framework to resolve pending, current and past issues. Moreover, we wish to highlight the Agency’s readiness to accelerate the resolution of all pending issues. At the same time, however, we consider it crucial that Iran cooperate actively with the Agency and adopt the measures necessary to fully implement its obligations, including the relevant Security Council resolutions. Concerning the work of the Committee, I wish to thank the Panel of Experts for its mid-term report and its work in the fulfillment of its mandate. Moreover, as this is the last meeting on the item in which my delegation will participate as a non-permanent member of the Council, I should like to mention the holding of regular open briefings as a useful practice leading to strengthened ties between the Security Council and all Member States. We therefore encourage the Committee to pursue its efforts along those lines. Similarly, we reiterate the importance of ensuring that the lists of persons and entities subject to sanctions on the part of all of the sanctions committees are available in all six official United Nations languages. That is crucial in guaranteeing the full implementation of the sanctions measures by Member States. Therefore, while we highlight the standardization of the listing format, we encourage the Secretariat to ensure its availability in all of the official languages as soon as possible. We also refer to the process for the selection of the experts comprising the panels that support the committees in carrying out their work. As we pointed out in the Council on 25 November (see S/PV.7323), we believe that persons with the necessary expertise and specialized training should be selected to ensure that each Committee fulfils its mandate. We must also respect geographical distribution and gender parity. Likewise, we understand that the process to identify the most qualified candidates must be transparent and that the committees must participate in selecting the experts  — after an initial intervention by the Secretariat — and make decisions with respect to each and every available vacancy. To conclude, I again highlight my country’s commitment to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, I reaffirm the inalienable right of all States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to develop, research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, without discrimination.

I shall now make a statement in my national capacity. I too wish to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), for his briefing. Chad takes note of the quarterly report just presented by the Chair on the activities of the Committee from September to December. We commend the assistance and guidance provided by the Committee to Member States and international organizations concerning the implementation of Security Council measures. We urge the Committee to pursue its activities and to strengthen its communications with Member States, in particular through country visits, so as to encourage them to submit national implementation reports regarding Security Council measures. Regarding negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 in the framework of the Joint Plan of Action, we regret that the negotiations aimed at resolving the nuclear issue continued through 24 November without leading to a decisive agreement. We note, nevertheless, that the negotiations resumed yesterday, 17 December, in Geneva, Switzerland, and are scheduled to continue to 30 June 2015. It is our hope that those diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive long-term solution will bear fruit in this round. In conclusion, given that Ambassador Quinlan has taken the floor before the Council for the last time in his capacity as Chair of the 1737 Committee, on behalf of my delegation I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to him and his entire team for their leadership and commitment at the head of 1737 Committee over the past two years. I wish every success to his successor, the Permanent Representative of Spain. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. 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.