S/PV.7469 Security Council

At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi, Permanent Representative of Spain, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I now give the floor to Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi.

I have the honour to present the report of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), in accordance with paragraph 18 of that resolution. The present report covers the period from 24 March to 22 June, during which time the Committee held an informal meeting on 1 June and carried out additional activities, using the no-objection procedure provided for in paragraph 15 of the guidelines for conducting its work. Taking into account the evolution of events relating to the Joint Plan of Action, the Committee reiterates its support to all parties in their efforts to hold negotiations aimed at achieving a broad agreement. I would like to reiterate that the measures imposed by the Security Council under resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010) remain in full effect while negotiations between the P5+1 and the Islamic Republic of Iran continue, and that Member States remain under the obligation to apply them. The Committee continues to fully support the implementation of all relevant resolutions and stands ready to provide guidance to those Member States that request assistance. During the reporting period, the Committee was informed of no new incidents. With respect to prior events investigated by the Panel of Experts, I would like to recall that the Committee has been in touch with the Islamic Republic of Iran on a number of occasions in order to convey its observations. The Islamic Republic of Iran has not yet responded, and the Committee continues to urge it to do so. The Committee continues to provide States and international organizations with assistance in implementing the relevant Security Council measures. That includes analysing whether or not the proposals for technical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran, which cover a broad array of fields, from energy efficiency to the protection of the ozone layer, as well as proposals for other kinds of cooperation, are in violation of the sanctions regimes. The Committee welcomes such collaboration on matters relating to implementation and compliance, and encourages the parties to continue to request the Committee’s guidance with respect to the implementation of the Council’s measures. In accordance with paragraph 5 of resolution 1737 (2006), the Committee was notified by one Member State about the expected delivery of equipment to be used in a light-water reactor at the Bushehr nuclear plant. Regarding actions taken by Member States to implement the relevant measures of the Security Council, the Committee encourages those Member States that have not yet submitted reports to do so as soon as possible, in recognition of the importance of national implementation reports for promoting the implementation of sanctions measures. With regard to the Panel of Experts, the Committee heard a briefing on the final report on the mandate of the Panel of Experts (S/2015/401) in the framework of its informal consultations, which were held on 1 June, and had the opportunity to review that report with the Panel, as required in paragraph 2 of resolution 2159 (2014). On 1 June the Council received the report, the text of which may be viewed in all the official languages of the United Nations. The report contains observations that can serve as a useful guide for Member States when it comes time to implement the measures set forth in resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010). The Committee notes that the Panel has not issued any new recommendations in addition to those contained in its previous final reports. The Committee will continue to study the report and to consider whether additional follow-up measures will be needed in the light of its conclusions. Furthermore, I would like to state that, following the 9 June decision adopted by the Council in resolution 2224 (2015) to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts until 9 July 2016, the Bureau has undertaken the required administrative procedures concerning nominations to the Panel. With respect to the activities conducted by the Panel over the past three months, I wish to point out that it participated in a series of activities that are enumerated in the annex to the current report. Finally, while the Committee reiterates that the primary responsibility for applying the provisions of resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010) resides with Member States, the Committee is prepared to facilitate the implementation of those measures.

I thank Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I thank the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and its Chair, as well as the Panel of Experts, for their continued work in supporting implementation of the Council’s resolutions on Iran. This briefing comes at a crucial moment for Iran. Negotiations between Iran and the E3+3 on a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme will reach their conclusion in the coming days. We hope that a deal can be reached by the deadline on next Tuesday. The E3+3 and Iran agreed on the key parameters for a comprehensive agreement in Lausanne on 2 April. That was a major milestone and formed the basis for what could be a very good deal — one that is durable and verifiable and will, if fully implemented, address our proliferation concerns. There is, however, much to be done in very little time. Important political and technical issues still need to be resolved before we have a final agreement. Diplomats and technical experts from the E3+3 and Iran are currently meeting in an effort to finalize a comprehensive agreement by 30 June. In parallel to those negotiations, the E3+3 and Iran have been implementing their commitments under the Joint Plan of Action. I thank my fellow E3+3 members for their support in that effort. But as this report reminds us, while negotiations continue, the bulk of sanctions remain in place and must continue to be enforced in full. That includes all United Nations sanctions and all obligations on Member States arising from Council resolutions on the issue. The lifting of sanctions should act as an incentive for Iran to conclude the negotiations on a comprehensive agreement. Turning to the work of the Committee, I am grateful for the crucial role that it plays in supporting the enforcement of the relevant Council sanctions measures on Iran. We also welcome the ongoing work of the Panel of Experts and the Council’s decision to extend the Panel’s mandate until 9 July 2016. We support the Committee’s continued guidance and assistance to Member States and international organizations. But we are disappointed at Iran’s continued failure to respond to past requests from the Committee for information on various incidents of concern. Once again, we urge Iran to engage constructively with the Committee on those requests. The United Kingdom remains committed to finding a peaceful and lasting negotiated solution to the Iran nuclear issue. A negotiated settlement with Iran that is durable and verifiable and that addresses our proliferation concerns is the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability. A comprehensive deal with Iran is in all our interests. For the international community it would provide reassurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes at a time of great instability in the region. For Iran, it would mean, ultimately, the lifting of all sanctions imposed as a result of Iran’s nuclear programme. This would have a huge impact on Iran’s economy and would improve the day-to-day lives of ordinary Iranians over time. Furthermore, it would present a real opportunity to reset relationships with the international community. Should it fail to seize this opportunity, Iran faces further years in isolation, to the detriment of its people, its economy and its standing in the region. We hope that will not be the case. In order to help secure a better future for Iran, we will continue to make every effort to find a comprehensive agreement. We look to Iran to do the same.

I thank Ambassador Oyarzun for his briefing. We may be entering a critical moment in the Security Council’s consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue. For almost nine years, the Security Council has acted in response to concerns about the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. By applying progressively stronger sanctions, the Council has supported international nuclear diplomacy and has helped bring us closer to resolving this difficult issue through negotiations. As we meet today, negotiators from Iran and the P5+1 countries are meeting in Vienna to finalize a comprehensive nuclear deal. That work is hard, and success is not guaranteed. This past spring, we made great progress in Lausanne, Switzerland, by agreeing to the parameters of a nuclear deal, but there is still much work to be done. We still need to flesh out important details and resolve some challenging issues where there is still disagreement. Until there is a deal, the Security Council must continue to stand behind its previous resolutions on the Iranian nuclear issue. The sanctions that the Council has imposed remain in force. Member States must continue to implement them fully, as required by Council resolutions. Additionally, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), with the support of the Panel of Experts, should continue efforts to improve sanctions enforcement and provide useful advice to Member States on questions involving sanctions implementation. If Member States are able to share with the Committee or the Panel evidence of sanctions violations, then we encourage them to do so at any time, even during this period of negotiations. We were troubled to read in the Panel’s recent report of continuing violations of the United Nations sanctions, such as those related to conventional arms and illicit nuclear procurement. Iran’s trafficking in weapons, including shipments to some of the most extreme and irresponsible actors in its region, remains a serious threat to peace. In addition to violating Security Council resolutions, smuggling of that kind supports terrorism, fuels Al-Assad’s violence in Syria and further destabilizes Yemen. The United States, working closely with partners, will continue to help detect, disrupt and seize such shipments. As we announced in Lausanne, if a deal is reached, then the Security Council would be asked to adopt a new resolution to endorse it. That resolution would also terminate the provisions of previous sanctions resolutions upon verification that Iran has taken certain nuclear steps. It would also establish ongoing restrictions. If such a resolution were to be adopted, the United Nations would continue to help ensure that Member States understand their precise obligations in the period ahead. If there is not a deal, however, then, needless to say, the work of the Committee and Panel will become even more critical. For now, however, we look with hope to Vienna. I think I speak for all Council colleagues when I wish our negotiators the best of luck in their endeavour.

I thank Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi of Spain for his briefing and appreciate the efforts made by the Ambassador and his team to promote the work of the Committee. China has always attached importance to and taken an active part in the Committee’s work and hopes that the Committee will continue to carry out its mandate in a balanced and practical manner. China is of the view that all parties have the obligation to implement the Security Council’s resolutions on sanctions against Iran in an earnest, accurate and comprehensive manner. However, the sanctions themselves are not the purpose of the Security Council resolutions. The activities of the Committee and the Security Council should all serve the efforts aimed at reaching a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear issue. China has taken note of the final report submitted by the Panel of Experts and hopes that the Panel will continue to carry out its activities in accordance with to the mandate of the resolution and in an objective and just manner. The Committee should properly address each case on the basis of clear facts, verified evidence and broad consultations. At the meeting of foreign ministers in Lausanne in April, the six parties and Iran agreed on the core elements of a comprehensive agreement on the Iran nuclear issue. That marked a major breakthrough in the negotiations and constitutes a solid basis for a comprehensive agreement. In the next stage, as the deadline is fast approaching, all parties have demonstrated strong political will to reach an early comprehensive agreement through rigorous negotiations on the text of the agreement. China hopes that all parties will respect the results of the negotiations in Lausanne, pay attention to and resolve in a reasonable way all the legitimate concerns of all parties, avoid various actions aimed at interfering with each other and be decisive in making a timely political decision, so that a comprehensive agreement can be reached according to schedule. An early comprehensive agreement on the Iran nuclear issue will contribute to the international non-proliferation regime and will also contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East. As a major party to the negotiations, China has always played a constructive role in moving the negotiations forward by taking a just and objective position. China will continue to take an active part in the negotiations and work tirelessly for a comprehensive long-term and proper solution to the Iran nuclear issue.

I wish to thank Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), for his presentation of the quarterly report of the Committee covering the period 24 March to 24 June 2015, and I would like to congratulate him for his leadership. When it comes to the Iranian nuclear dossier, Chad welcomes the continued negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 in the framework of the Joint Plan of Action. In that regard, the Framework Agreement on the Joint Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme, signed in Lausanne, Switzerland last 2 April, represents a major step forward, as the framework makes it possible to envision an optimistic future for all stakeholders. We hope that the ongoing negotiations taking place in Vienna will make it possible to settle the technical details in order to reach a final agreement by the deadline of 30 June of this year. In this critical phase in the peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, we encourage all parties to act as constructively as possible in order to reach a successful conclusion to the negotiations. Furthermore, we express our concern over reports of the use of a computer virus to spy on the hotels where the negotiations are taking place, and we call on the competent authorities of the countries involved to do their utmost to shed light on those ill-intentioned activities and ensure appropriate conditions for continued negotiations. We reiterate that the Islamic Republic of Iran has a right to develop a full civilian nuclear-energy industry, and that, in the event of a final agreement, all United Nations sanctions against Iran should be lifted. With regard to the report of the 1737 Committee, we welcome the fact that no incidents have been reported during the past three months. We encourage members of the Committee to continue their discussions of the report, and we call on the Committee to continue facilitating the implementation of the provisions contained in Security Council resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1929 (2010). To conclude, we hope that the ongoing negotiations will lead to a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and the immediate and complete lifting of all sanctions. We are pleased by the positive developments in those negotiations. They amply demonstrate that diplomacy can succeed better than confrontation and threats.

We are grateful to the Permanent Representative of Spain for the report about the recent work of the Committee that he chairs. The Russian Federation thanks the Spanish delegation for its skilful leadership of that subsidiary body of the Security Council at this very delicate stage. We hope for a continuation of a business-like and constructive cooperation in the framework of the Committee in the interest of rapidly resolving the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear programme through political and diplomatic means. We are continuing the search for compromise approaches on the remaining outstanding issues in the framework of negotiations of the group of six international mediators with the Iranian representatives. In that connection, we would like to note that it is very important for all parties to ensure progress in moving towards a final agreement. The key to the successful completion of negotiations on developing a final agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear programme is a precise and rigorous implementation of the basic agreements that were reached at the meeting of foreign ministers of the group of six and Iran at the beginning of April in Lausanne. There is no doubt that achieving an agreement and implementing the expected arrangements will go hand in hand with an in-depth revision of the current sanctions regime. The discussion of concrete parameters is currently under way in the framework of the group of six plus Iran in Vienna. We will continue to do everything expected of us to resolve the questions relating to the Iranian nuclear programme once and for all, and the lifting of the sanctions against Teheran, which were introduced in accordance with a Security Council resolution.

I, too, would like to thank the Ambassador of Spain for his briefing on the quarterly activities of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), which established sanctions with regard to the Iranian nuclear programme. Almost 20 months have passed since the adoption of the Joint Action Plan in November 2013. We have been involved with our partners in the E3+3 in intensive discussions with Iran. The interim agreement in April this year in Lausanne marked an important step towards reestablishing the confidence of the international community in the exclusively peaceful purposes of Iran’s nuclear programme. But now those negotiations are entering a crucial phase, since in principle an agreement is supposed to be reached before the end of the month, and it is undeniable that a lot remains to be done. From the beginning, France has had a constant and consistent position: Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for civilian purposes, but by no means should it be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. All our demands during the negotiations have been derived from that stance. The aim of the negotiations is to reach a robust agreement. That involves a long-term limitation on Iran’s ability to carry out research and development, and a rigorous verification regime, which includes, when necessary, military sites, as has already been indicated by the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That also involves the possibility of an automatic return to sanctions in the event of a violation of Iran’s commitments. That is the position of France: a simple one that is consistent with our rejection of nuclear proliferation and our wish to preserve the security of the region. We are therefore determined with our partners in the group of six to reach a good agreement before the end of the month, one that is robust and verifiable and that would make it possible to ensure the exclusively peaceful purposes of the Iranian nuclear programme. But Iran must take courageous steps forward. Such an agreement also includes renewed cooperation with the IAEA, especially on the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme. In that regard, we regret the lack of substantial progress on that front since 2014. The latest report of the Director- General of the IAEA on the implementation of Iran’s guarantees notes that no new practical measures have been proposed by Iran. The resolution of all issues on the potential military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme is a key element for the re-establishment of confidence and, therefore, for the long-term agreement that we all want. I wish to recall here that the Council’s resolutions on Iran remain fully in force, pending a comprehensive solution to the proliferation crisis, as explicitly stated in the Joint Plan of Action. We were therefore concerned to read in the final report of the Panel of Experts (S/2015/401, annex) that several attempts were made by Iran to bypass the sanctions, particularly the arms embargo that is burdening the country. Such attempts are contrary to the Council’s resolutions and represent a destabilizing factor in the Middle East. This makes clear that vigilance remains necessary and that it would be irresponsible to lower our guard in terms of Iran’s actions. We thank the Panel of Experts for its tireless work and welcome the report, which is a valuable source of information in assisting Member States to strengthen implementation of the resolutions.

At the outset, I wish to thank the Permanent Representative of Spain for the information provided and his leadership in chairing the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I also thank the Panel of Experts for the preparation of the report (S/2015/401, annex) that is before the Council. The changes taking place in the Middle East region are striking. Member States are waiting to see the final details of the agreement regarding the situation. Jordan hopes that the agreement will contribute to strengthening trust and allaying fears regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, establish the basis for peace and stability in the Middle East and strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime in the Middle East and worldwide. It is of utmost importance that the agreement be fully aligned with all international standards, particularly in terms of the physical security of nuclear installations, through full oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Impacts on environmental issues must also be considered. It would be important for the agreement to include a number of mechanisms to address possible future violations. Furthermore, we believe that we must begin by examining more seriously issues related to the arms embargo against Iran, in particular in the light of the information on violations contained in the Panel of Experts’ report. It is a major challenge that must be considered extremely carefully. Once again, we stress that the 1737 Committee should continue its work in the most effective manner possible and carry out the necessary inquiries regarding violations, in addition to continuing to cooperate positively with the Iranian Government in order to clear up issues regarding past violations. We also encourage those countries that have not yet submitted reports on the measures they have adopted to implement the Council’s relevant resolutions, to do so with utmost haste. They must also cooperate positively with the Panel of Experts, as the success of the Committee’s work is highly dependent on the reports submitted by Member States. Finally, we value highly the role of the 1737 Committee, which assists countries and international organizations in the implementation of the Council’s relevant resolutions through the consideration of countries’ requests for the provision of technical assistance to Iran in various areas. We encourage such action, as it will facilitate States’ and organizations’ effective implementation of Council resolutions.

We thank the Permanent Representative of Spain, as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), for his briefing. New Zealand commends the Chairman’s work and that of the Committee and its Panel of Experts in maintaining oversight of this complex sanctions regime. Today’s briefing is somewhat overshadowed by an air of expectation around the P5+1 negotiations with Iran in pursuit of a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. New Zealand acknowledges the efforts of the parties to the negotiations. We reiterate our support for the process and hope that negotiations will be concluded in keeping with the original intent. We appreciate that the negotiations are sensitive for the key parties involved, but trust that these sensitivities will not stand in the way of a comprehensive outcome. Be that as it may, today sanctions remain in place. They place obligations on States Members of the United Nations and, as such, the work of this Committee remains extant. While we welcome the prospect of an agreement, until such time as one is reached the Committee must continue to monitor and improve the enforcement of existing sanctions, just as the Panel of Experts must continue to investigate violations and clarify obligations to Member States. Finally, we encourage all parties involved in the negotiations to sustain the commitment and the political will required for a positive, peaceful and lasting solution.

We thank Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi for introducing the quarterly report on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We also thank the Panel of Experts and its Coordinator for the presentation to the Committee on 1 June of its final report (S/2015/401, annex). As we have noted previously, Chile has always attached great importance to the work of the non-proliferation Committee, whose sanctions regime remains fully in force. Like other speakers, we continue to follow the negotiations currently under way between the E3+3 and Iran. In both the Security Council and the 1737 Committee, Chile has promoted a positive atmosphere conducive to the negotiations. At this historic juncture, we call on the parties to demonstrate flexibility and responsibility at the international level. An eventual agreement would benefit the non-proliferation regime and provide assurance to the international community as to the exclusively peaceful role of the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge Iran to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Chile takes note of the latest report on the implementation of the safeguards agreement in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions on Iran. We appreciate the support of the IAEA in the monitoring and verification of the voluntary measures referred to in the Joint Action Plan. In conclusion, Chile considers that the current negotiations send an encouraging message about the value of diplomacy in resolving conflicts. We hope that the E3+3 and Iran will promptly achieve a comprehensive and verifiable agreement.

I thank the presidency for convening this informative meeting on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), whose report (see S/2015/401, annex) was presented by Ambassador Mr. Román Oyarzun Marchesi, as Chair of the Committee. We congratulate him for his outstanding leadership of that subsidiary body. Venezuela welcomes the significant progress made regarding the Joint Plan of Action, the negotiations undertaken between the P5+1 and Iran, and the commitment of all parties to continue the round of negotiations so as to achieve a broad agreement. The possibility of achieving this important agreement aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue in the long term is a tangible option today. It once again demonstrates than when a political commitment to reach negotiated solutions, engage in dialogue and achieve peace exists, this is the optimal path for overcoming violence and militaristic discourse, especially in a region deeply affected by conflicts and extremists. The most important task in the next phase is to take advantage of this positive momentum and focus on resolving the differences through dialogue, negotiations and mutual trust. That will open a new phase in diplomatic relations with Iran, leading finally to the definitive lifting of the sanctions regime against that country, which has had negative economic and social effects on the Iranian people. We are pleased that dialogue and cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have continued, as highlighted in the Agency’s May 2015 report. We recognize the importance of the constructive role played by the IAEA in resolving the issues relating to Iran’s nuclear programme. We hope that that cooperation will continue to be strengthened, and that the ongoing issues will be resolved, as will the measures relating to the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action. In that respect, we call on all parties involved to fulfil their respective commitments in good faith. Venezuela reaffirms the sovereign right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We therefore reiterate that article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which stipulates the inalienable right of all parties to the Treaty to continue with the research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, without any discrimination whatsoever, should be fully respected. Venezuela attaches great importance to the efforts made by the international community to promote disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We express our full commitment to the strengthening of the international regime applicable to those issues through compliance with the obligations derived from the relevant binding legal instruments. Venezuela believes that holding the conference on a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, in line with the agreements achieved at the 1995 NPT Review Conference, is an extremely positive measure that would further strengthen peace and stability. As the NPT Review Conference held in May 2015 was unable to adopt an outcome document, owing to the failure to implement the agreement reached 20 years ago, we believe that the international community should not abandon its efforts to promote the denuclearization of the Middle East on the basis of agreements freely entered into between States, in accordance with the guidelines defined by the Disarmament Commission in its 1999 report (A/54/42). To that end, we call on all Member States to focus their diplomatic and political efforts on reaching such an agreement without further delay. For my country, weapons of mass destruction constitute a threat to international peace and security, and their elimination is therefore a priority for all of humankind. Finally, we call on the Committee, in this crucial phase, to focus its attention on the new challenges and objectives that are arising under this new dynamic, in line with the principles of objectivity, impartiality and balance. In the area within its competence, the Committee must facilitate the ongoing negotiations. We hope that the diplomatic initiatives under way in other forums on the implementation of Iranian nuclear safeguards will have a positive effect on the work of the Council and lead to the permanent suspension of sanctions against that brotherly country.

I thank the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) for his presentation of the latest 90-day report of the Committee. Nigeria takes due cognizance of the fact that there were no new incidents reported to the Committee in the period covered by the report. My delegation commends the Committee for its continued engagement, in particular in the area of assistance to States and international organizations in the implementation of the relevant Security Council measures relating to sanctions under resolution 1737 (2006). Indeed, that aspect of the Committee’s work is in line with the efforts to protect the integrity of the decisions taken by the Council and to ensure that States do not unknowingly flout the sanctions regime under resolution 1737 (2006). We reiterate the useful purposes served when States seek appropriate guidance from the Committee on proposals for technical cooperation with Iran in matters under the purview of Committee’s work and the merits of such an approach. Regarding past requests made by the Committee on two incidents investigated by the Panel of Experts, we continue to urge Iran to respond to those requests as a demonstration of respect for the decisions of the Committee. We commend the efforts of the Panel of Experts, which have contributed significantly to the work of the Committee. That is indeed reflected positively in its final report (S/2015/401). Finally, we continue to monitor and encourage the negotiations between the United States and Iran and between the P5+1 and Iran aimed at working out a comprehensive solution of the Iranian nuclear issues. We believe that it is in the interest of all to remain focused, constructive and committed to the negotiations.

We thank Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi for the presentation of the report and for his excellent work as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We are pleased that no new incidents have been reported during the past three months, and we sincerely hope that there will be a positive outcome to the ongoing negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding its nuclear programme. We understand the sensitive nature of some of the issues being discussed by both sides in the negotiating process, and we hope that the negotiators will be able to find ways that address the concerns that Iran has expressed and those expressed by the E3+3 regarding ways to improve the inspections regime and to ensure that Iran addresses questions about its past nuclear activities. According to recent reports in the media, Iranian and Western officials have clashed over key details of a final deal in recent days, and critical differences have emerged in the negotiating room. Since we do not have any information regarding those differences and the points of contention, all we can do is hope that those differences can be overcome and a final accord reached by the deadline of 20 June, so that the international sanctions, which have severely affected the Iranian people, can begin to be lifted.

I would like to thank Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi of Spain for his support to the Council as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). Lithuania closely monitors the intensive efforts by the E3+3 and Iran to reach a final agreement on a Joint Plan of Action. We remain convinced that the vigorous system of sanctions and the strong commitment by Member States to uphold the implementation of sanctions continue to have a decisive impact in support of a negotiated solution. Now that negotiations are in the final stretch, Iran must show flexibility and willingness to provide the international community with verifiable guarantees of the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is another key element in rebuilding the international community’s trust. We welcome the conclusion by the IAEA that Iran has been implementing measures agreed in the Joint Plan of Action, but we call on Iran to increase cooperation in providing access to all relevant information, sites, material and personnel. We thank the Panel of Experts for the final report (S/2015/401) and welcome its official public release on 1 June. The report provides a useful overview of Iran’s compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and an analysis of reported violations. We remain concerned that while complying with the Joint Plan of Action, Iran continues to disregard other provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular those related to transfers of conventional weapons and related material. As the negotiations on the final agreement continue in Vienna, all Security Council sanctions imposed on Iran remain in full effect and all Member States must implement them, including by reporting cases of non-compliance to the Committee. Furthermore, Iran itself must cooperate with the Committee, inter alia by providing the information requested by the Panel during the course of its investigations. Finally, let me underscore our hope that the current talks between the E3+3 and Iran will translate into a comprehensive and verifiable solution, which would strengthen long-term international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Malaysia. I join others in thanking the Permanent Representative of Spain for his briefing on the work carried out by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) during the reporting period. My delegation commends the Chair for steering the Committee through a particularly significant period, against the backdrop of the P5+1 and Iran’s negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. The Chair’s previous briefing to the Council in March (see S/PV.7412) came at a time when the P5+1 and Iran were close to reaching an understanding on a favourable agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. Today, we meet again at a similar, if not a more important juncture. In a matter of days, the parties are expected to finalize the technical annexes and conclude a comprehensive solution to the issue. Malaysia is of the view that the P5+1 and Iran negotiations on the framework agreement constitute an important development in efforts to promote regional and international peace, security and stability. The commitment and flexibility shown by all parties in reaching an initial agreement constitute positive steps towards non-proliferation and nuclear security — particularly in view of the lengthy and difficult negotiations that have taken place for nearly 10 years. In that regard, Malaysia welcomes the political understanding on the parameters reached by the parties in Lausanne in April 2015. We hope that the talks will continue to pave the way for all parties to conclude a long-term comprehensive solution. Malaysia remains optimistic for a positive outcome from the talks, and we also underline the Committee’s support to all parties in the negotiations. However, the present measures, established under the relevant Council resolutions, remain valid, and the Committee remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities. Accordingly, at the present stage, the Committee should maintain its function of providing guidance and assistance to Member States and international organizations on the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolution, upon request. My delegation believes that the Committee will continue to deliberate its decisions in a cautious and thorough manner, in accordance with its mandate. Finally, on the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1929 (2010), Malaysia congratulates the members of the Panel on the renewal of its mandate earlier this month. My delegation thanks the Panel for its final report, which is currently under consideration by the Committee. We hope the Panel will soon have a full complement of members, given the important tasks that lie ahead of it. I now resume my functions as President of the Council.