S/PV.7865 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Germany to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following to participate in this meeting: Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and His Excellency Mr. João Vale de Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs; His Excellency Mr. João Vale de Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations; and His Excellency Mr. Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy, in his capacity as facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). I now give the floor to Mr. Feltman. Mr. Feltman: On 16 January, the United Nations welcomed the first anniversary of implementation day of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was endorsed by resolution 2231 (2015). One year on, the Secretary-General is encouraged by the continued reaffirmation by all JCPOA participants, including during the meeting of the Joint Commission in Vienna on 10 January, of their unequivocal commitment to the full and effective implementation of the agreement. The JCPOA  — adopted by the E3/EU+3 and Iran on 14 July 2015  — is a good example of how multilateral diplomacy, political will and perseverance can resolve the most complex issues. It is imperative that, as participants, the United Nations and the broader international community continue to support the full implementation of that historic multilateral agreement for its full duration. Its comprehensive and sustained implementation ensures that Iran’s nuclear programme will remain exclusively peaceful. It will help realize the long-awaited aspirations of the Iranian people to be reconnected to the global economy and bring to a satisfactory conclusion the consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue by the Security Council. Today’s meeting of the Security Council is taking place against a backdrop of steady implementation, cooperation and progress. Since Implementation Day, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued five reports documenting continued implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments. In her statement on the first anniversary of implementation day, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Federica Mogherini, noted that the lifting of the nuclear-related sanctions, as promised in the agreement, resulted in “a surge in bilateral trade and investment in Iran, contributing to better living standards for the benefit of all”. The Secretary-General has underscored the importance of all JCPOA participants accruing equally the full benefits of the agreement and calls upon all its participants to continue to work together in good faith and reciprocity. I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the second report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2016/1136). The report was submitted to the Council on 30 December 2016, pursuant to annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) and paragraph 7 of the note by the President of the Council, issued on 16 January 2016 (S/2016/44). As guided by the Security Council, the report of the Secretary-General focuses on the implementation of the provisions contained in annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). It does not cover the implementation of annex A to the resolution, namely, the implementation of its nuclear-related commitments by Iran and of the sanctions-lifting commitments entered into by other participants, nor does it touch upon issues falling within the remit of the Joint Commission. I now turn to the main findings and recommendations of the second report of the Secretary-General related to annex B of resolution 2231 (2015). First, the Secretary-General has not received any report, nor is he aware of any open-source information regarding the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear- related items undertaken contrary to the provisions of the resolution. Moreover, and also on an encouraging note, Member States have made greater use of the procurement-channel process, through which the transfer of nuclear-related items is approved by the Council on the basis of recommendation provided by the Joint Commission. Five nuclear-related proposals have been submitted since July 2016. Three of those proposals have been approved; the other two are still under consideration. Those proposals have been processed in accordance with the timelines established by resolution 2231 (2015), with due regard for information security and confidentiality. The operational linkages established between the Security Council and the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission are functioning well. I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the excellent cooperation that we have had with the European External Action Service, especially with the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission. Secondly, the Secretary-General has also not received any information regarding Iranian ballistic- missile activities or ballistic-missile-related transfers to Iran undertaken contrary to the relevant provisions of the resolution. Thirdly, in terms of the restrictions on arms- related transfers, the report includes information on the seizure by the French Navy of an arms shipment in the Northern Indian Ocean in March 2016. France concluded that the arms shipment had originated in Iran and that that transfer had been undertaken contrary to annex B of the resolution. In addition, the Secretariat also received information from Australia and the Combined Maritime Forces about another arms seizure by the Royal Australian Navy, which took place off the coast of Oman in February 2016. That shipment of arms was also assessed by the United States Navy to have originated in Iran. Both seizures bear strong similarities with the one reported by the United States in June 2016 and mentioned in the first report of the Secretary-General (S/2016/589). The Secretariat is looking forward to the opportunity to examine the arms seized in all three instances and to obtain additional information in order to corroborate the information provided and independently ascertain the origin of those shipments. Still on the subject of arms-related transfers, of particular concern is the June 2016 televised statement by the Secretary-General of Hizbullah that Hizbullah receives its salaries, expenses, weapons and missiles from Iran. That statement suggests that transfers of arms from Iran to Hizbullah may have been undertaken contrary to resolution 2231 (2015). In addition, the report notes the November 2016 letter by Israel to the Secretary-General and the Council about the alleged use of commercial flights by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to transfer arms and related materiel to Hizbullah (S/2016/987), and the subsequent response from Iran that such claims were baseless and unsubstantiated accusations (S/2016/992). With regard to the case of the Iranian participation in an arms exhibition held in Baghdad in March 2016, which was presented in the first report of the Secretary- General on this issue, I am able to inform the Council today that Iraqi authorities confirmed in October 2016 that all items exhibited have been returned to Iran. Therefore, no further follow-up will be taken by the Secretariat in relation to that matter. Finally, the report draws the attention of Council members to possible ongoing travel-ban violations by individuals on the list maintained pursuant to resolution 2231 (2015). The report includes information about two possible foreign trips by Brigadier General Naqdi and about numerous possible foreign trips by Major General Soleimani, which are supported by photographic evidence released by Iranian and other regional media outlets. The Secretariat raised those possible violations with the countries involved. Iraq and Syria did not deny or confirm that information, but emphasized that no invitations had been extended nor were visas issued by their respective authorities to those individuals. In response to the Secretariat’s request for clarification with regard to the possible transfer of arms to Hizbullah, as well as the possible travel-ban violations, Iran underlined that “measures undertaken by Iran in combating terrorism and violent extremism in the region have been consistent with its national security interests and international commitments”. Looking forward to the second year of the implementation of the JCPOA, I would like to reaffirm once again the particular responsibilities of JCPOA participants to implement the agreement fully and effectively. The wider international community also has an interest in and must contribute to the long-term implementation of the agreement. In closing, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi of Spain in his role as facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) in 2016. I would also like to congratulate Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi of Italy on his selection as facilitator for 2017. Ambassador Cardi and the Security Council can count on the full support of the United Nations Secretariat in his stewardship of the resolution endorsing that historic agreement.

I thank Mr. Feltman for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Vale de Almeida. Mr. Vale de Almeida: I am honoured to address the Council today on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in her capacity as the Coordinator of the Joint Commission established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to whom I will refer simply as the “Coordinator”. In today’s world, the number of challenges we have to face prevents us from focusing on the successes we have achieved. This debate comes just two days after the first anniversary of the implementation day of the JCPOA. That agreement was a major achievement. It was born of the efforts of the E3/EU+3, coordinated by the European Union (EU) High Representative and Iran; however, it now belongs to the international community through its endorsement by the Council in resolution 2231 (2016). In the past, many predicted that we would never reach an agreement or that, even if we did, it would not last for long. Not only did we reach an agreement, but we are now clearly making progress in implementing it. Since implementation day, important steps have been taken by all parties towards the successful implementation of the deal. In the course of this year, all JCPOA participants have fulfilled their commitments. Iran has implemented its nuclear obligations, and the United Nations, the EU and the United States have lifted, as agreed, the nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions. The adherence of Iran to its commitments is being closely monitored and has been confirmed by four International Atomic Energy Agency reports up to now. That is essential in order to deliver on the goal of a civilian nuclear programme exclusively for peaceful purposes. The lifting of sanctions has also led to a surge in trade and investment with Iran. To give just an example, bilateral trade between the EU and Iran has risen by a staggering 63 per cent over the first three quarters of 2016. More efforts are needed to make sure that those benefits are felt by our populations, but the trend is clear and progress undeniable. However, JCPOA implementation is an ongoing task, and we expect full and effective implementation by all sides throughout the lifetime of the agreement. The EU High Representative, as the Coordinator of the Joint Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the deal, remains committed to that goal. The EU High Representative, or her designated representative, has already chaired six JCPOA Joint Commission meetings, which have monitored and provided guidance on implementation issues. At the latest meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission on 10 January 2017, all sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to continued full and effective implementation of the JCPOA. The rigorous implementation of commitments by all sides is the best way to continue to build trust, to strengthen the JCPOA and to overcome the hurdles that are part of all comprehensive and far-reaching deals. I would also like at this point to extend my gratitude to former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as well as to Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi, who served as the facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) in 2016, for the excellent cooperation since Implementation Day. I would also like to welcome the new Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, as well as Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi of Italy, who will serve as the facilitator for the implementation of the resolution in 2017. Once again, let me thank our colleagues in the Security Council Affairs Division for their unwavering support regarding the establishment of the procurement channel. I would also like to take note of the latest report of the Secretary General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2016/1136). I will now focus on the work of the Procurement Working Group. The EU High Representative, as Coordinator of the Joint Commission and the Procurement Working Group, is responsible for the smooth operation of that newly established mechanism, which has been tasked with reviewing proposals by States seeking to engage in activities with Iran that involve nuclear and non-nuclear civilian end-uses. On implementation day, the Joint Commission established the Procurement Working Group, which is comprised of representatives of the E3+3 and Iran and is coordinated by the EU High Representative. The Group has been in full operation since its establishment. The first proposals received through the procurement channel have been reviewed and approved. That is a clear demonstration that the established procurement mechanism works. Transparency has been one of our guiding principles during the negotiations and a cornerstone of the JCPOA. According to para 6.10 of JCPOA annex IV, the Joint Commission shall report to the Security Council every six months on the status of the Procurement Working Group’s decisions and on any implementation issues. In that context, on 23 December 2016, the coordinator of the Procurement Working Group submitted to the facilitator, on behalf of the Joint Commission, the Group’s second report to the Security Council on the work of the Group in support of the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) (see S/2016/1113). The report seeks to provide the facilitator and Security Council members with an overview of the work undertaken by the Procurement Working Group from 7 July to 22 December 2016. During the period under review, the participants in the Procurement Working Group, coordinated by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, continued working intensively to further develop the modalities of its operation. The participants have held six meetings, and in one of those meetings the International Atomic Energy Agency participated as an observer. The Group has made great efforts to be as transparent as possible without compromising confidentiality, by reaching out to third States and promoting a better understanding of its aims, objectives and review process. We have taken note of the points raised by third- party States during those outreach meetings. In that respect, during the reporting period, the Joint Commission updated several documents relating to the work of the Procurement Working Group. All of those documents have been published on the Security Council’s dedicated web page on resolution 2231 (2015). The Procurement Working Group also responded to an inquiry put forward by one State through the Security Council. The work we have undertaken so far has proven that it is possible to reach agreements, even on the most contentious issues, and to implement them, provided that there is a will to do so. Let me conclude by reiterating the European Union’s resolute willingness to respect the JCPOA and work for its success throughout its lifetime. We call on all the other parties to do likewise and to remain committed to the full implementation of the JCPOA and of resolution 2231 (2015) in all its dimensions. That is essential if we wish to continue building trust among all and shore up multilateral diplomacy.

I now give the floor to Ambassador Cardi.

Before I start my statement as facilitator for the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2016), let me also say goodbye to Ambassador Samantha Power. In Italian, when we want to say goodbye, we say arrivederci, which means, “Until we see each other again”. I think that wish is shared by many around this table and at the United Nations. I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, as well as Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman and Ambassador João Vale de Almeida for their briefings. Today I will touch on three aspects of the report of the facilitator covering the period 16 July 2016 through 15 January 2017. I will touch first on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA); secondly, on the monitoring of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015); and, thirdly, on the developments in the procurement channel. The full version of the report has been circulated to the Council members, and will be issued shortly under the symbol S/2017/49. First, with regard to the JCPOA, I, like others, find it fitting to start with the JCPOA, considering that two days ago was the first anniversary of Implementation Day. During the reporting period, in line with paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General submitted two quarterly reports on verification and monitoring activities. In both reports, the Agency affirms that Iran has not pursued construction of the existing Arak heavy-water research reactor based on its original design, and that Iran has not conducted any uranium-enrichment or related research and activities at the Fordow fuel-enrichment plant. In addition, at the end of the reporting period, the Director General of the IAEA confirmed that on 15 January the Agency verified that Iran had removed all excess centrifuges and infrastructure from the Fordow plant, in line with its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. In its quarterly reports, the Agency affirms that Iran has continued to permit the Agency to use online enrichment monitors and electronic seals that communicate the status within the Iranian nuclear sites to Agency inspectors and facilitate the automatic collection of measurement recordings by the Agency. Both reports also affirm Iran’s continued cooperation with the JCPOA-specified monitoring of uranium ore concentrate in Iran. Secondly, with regard to the monitoring of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), during the reporting period the facilitator did not receive information on alleged actions inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015). At the same time, the facilitator took note of the letter from Israel to the President of the Security Council (S/2016/987) and the letter of the Islamic Republic of Iran in reply (S/2016/992). As of the closing date of my report, there has been no formal reply to the facilitator’s letters of 17 June and 22 July 2016, which invited the Iranian Government to comment on two alleged instances of arms transfers referred to in the first biannual report of the facilitator. Nonetheless, during the facilitator’s efforts to contact the Iranian Government so as to seek clarification about those two cases, the Permanent Mission of Iran rejected the allegation and reiterated that Iran had never engaged in the alleged deliveries. During the reference period, transparency, practical guidance and outreach remain the priorities, since a proper understanding of resolution 2231 (2015) by all is required for its full implementation. The Council responded to a request for guidance regarding access to foreign imports by Iranian-flag vessels seeking to load and unload goods. Moreover, in response to a request submitted through the facilitator, the Joint Commission provided guidance on temporary nuclear-related transfers to Iran. Thirdly, with regard to developments in the procurement channel, the Council had received, as of mid-July 2016, only one proposal, later withdrawn, to participate in and permit the activities set forth in paragraph 2 of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). During the reporting period, the procurement channel started working more regularly and processed five proposals that two Member States had submitted to the Security Council. Three proposals have already been approved, while the remaining two are currently under review by the Joint Commission in Vienna. In order to enhance information exchange between the Joint Commission and the representatives of the Security Council dealing with the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), I will be organizing a meeting with the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group here in New York in the coming weeks, similar to the meeting held in February of last year to discuss the functioning of the procurement channel. Let me conclude, by underlining that, from 18 July to 20 December 2016, there were more than 72,000 page views of the resolution 2231 (2015) website, a key channel of information, for a total of more than 140,000 page views since its creation. Those figures show a marked interest in the implementation of the resolution, including in the functioning of the procurement channel, whose activities are likely to increase in the coming months.

I thank Mr. Cardi for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I thank you, Mr. President, from the bottom of my heart for your comments at the opening of today’s meetings, which really moved me. When I play them later for my children, it will move them too. I thank Under-Secretary-General Feltman, Ambassador Cardi, Ambassador Vale de Almeida for their briefings and for all their work on this important topic. I know that the United States Mission looks forward to working with Ambassador Cardi in his new role as the Council’s facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). I agree with the sentiment that he expressed in Italian in terms of saying “Goodbye, but we will see you soon”. This will be my final meeting in the Security Council, I think, so I would like to start by saying “thank you”. First, above all, I want to give thanks to President Obama for giving me this opportunity and I want to thank my fellow diplomats in the Chamber for their friendship, their camaraderie and their dedication, all of which they have shown in spades over the past three and a half years towards me and towards the subjects that we work on together. Of course, we may not always agree. Indeed, we have at times disagreed quite pointedly, but it has been the privilege of my life to be able to work with each of them. We have not achieved nearly as much as I would have liked. The failures of the Council to respond to the mass atrocities in Syria and South Sudan are glaring and indeed haunting, but I know from working with every single individual at this table that we have achieved much more than we would have had it not been for their creativity and their individual will to find a way forward on tough issues. Diplomacy is about people in two respects. We diplomats must help people who are suffering the horrific costs of conflict, but we diplomats are people and when the Council functions, it is often because individuals in this Chamber have lobbied their capitals for a change in instructions or for flexibility in the cause of peace. While we, who have the privilege of sitting around this table, may get the attention, we also know that our work would not be possible without the people sitting behind us and in the booths above us and many others in our Governments who never even get to join us in the Chamber: the teams of diplomats and foreign service officers at our respective missions, the officials in our capitals and embassies abroad who feed into our work, as well as the staff at the United Nations who make these meetings possible — from the Security Council Affairs Division to the inexhaustible interpreters, to the staff from across the United Nations who brief the Council, write the reports that we consume and provide information from the field often at great risk to themselves. I offer a special thanks to my truly remarkable team at the United States Mission who works tirelessly to try to make the world better. It has been an honour to work with all of them. I am fortunate today to be able to deliver my last set of remarks on an issue that shows just how much we can achieve by using the tools in our toolbox at the Security Council. An issue where the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia and the European Union were able to all come together — first to impose powerful sanctions against Iran, including in 2010 after receiving information that Iran was building a covert enrichment facility and then to have the courage and the creativity to negotiate a deal — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which cut off Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon and verified Iran’s compliance through the most extensive inspection regime ever developed for nuclear programme. I take note, as I depart, that some on the Council are expressing what seems to be a growing scepticism about the efficacy of sanctions. It is more than reasonable to raise questions. Sanctions are not suited to every crisis. They alone are never a panacea. They cannot be treated as an end in themselves and sanctions almost never provide instant gratification of the kind that the news cycle seems to demand. It took almost nine years from when the Council first imposed sanctions on Iran and multiple rounds of new sanctions after that before the P5+1 and Iran were able to conclude the JCPOA. However, sanctions were an absolutely essential tool to bring Iran to the table and to keep Iran negotiating until we reach the diplomatic outcome that we sought, one that has significantly enhanced our collective security. We never would have reached this goal without uniting to impose sanctions and without working to ensure that our resolutions were enforced. This lessons applies not only when dealing with the threat of nuclear non-proliferation, but also to other threats to international peace and security, from genocide to terrorism and violations of other States’ territorial integrity. But beyond showing how effective sanctions can be, the JCPOA also shows the life and death importance of diplomacy  — hard-nosed diplomacy. The United Nations was created as the premier venue for diplomacy. As Winston Churchill once put it, “To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war”. Reaching this deal — the JCPOA — like so many of the collective achievements of which we are most proud, including the global response to the Ebola outbreak, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals  — required gruelling, at times exasperating negotiations and countless hours invested by diplomats, technical experts and even many of us at this table. There were times in each of these efforts when we thought we would not be able to reach an agreement, that the differences were just too great, the suspicions too deep, when we wanted to give up, walk away and go home to spend more time with our families who are far easier to get along with than our foreign counterparts in negotiations. But in these and so many other instances we achieved something together that none of us could have come close to achieving alone. While, of course, there are other threats to which we have invested similar time and energy and sweat, but have not been able to find solutions or consensus  — the Syria war and the quest for Middle East peace being the two most obvious examples  — is there anybody here who would have rather that we not have tried? Of course, there is not. I am proud to have served a President who believes in the power of principled diplomacy, not out of a naïve belief that we will always succeed, but rather because of a clear-eyed empirical assessment that our security often necessitates collective action and that while at times diplomacy may not be enough, there is never a time when it is not needed. It has now been a year and a half since the JCPOA was concluded and one year since what we call implementation day, when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that Iran had completed the nuclear-related commitments required for sanctions relief. What we know after all this time is that the JCPOA is working. All of the deal’s participants are keeping their commitments. Consider what that means, what the deal has achieved. Iran’s plutonium reactor core at Arak is now filled with concrete. The IAEA has confirmed that Iran has dismantled two- thirds of its centrifuges and shipped out 98 per cent of its enriched uranium. What is left of Iran’s uranium stockpile is under continuous watch to make sure that it stays within the limits that the JCPOA put in place. For our part, the United States has fully implemented its commitments to lift nuclear-related sanctions as specified in the JCPOA. In the Council, the mechanisms that we created to support the JCPOA are working as intended. When States want to pursue the nuclear-related activities permitted under the JCPOA that require the Council’s approval, the Council is ready to consider their request. Reporting is also happening with the appropriate division of labour with the Secretary-General reporting on the restrictions that apply to Iran under resolution 2231 (2016) while the Joint Commission monitors implementation of the JCPOA. However, recognizing this progress on Iran’s nuclear issues should not distract the Council from Iran’s other actions that continue to destabilize the Middle East in ways that affect a lot of issues on the Council’s agenda. This is after all a regime that repeatedly threatens Israel and that continues to violate the human rights of its own people. Under Secretary- General Feltman has informed the Council about reports of Iranian non-compliance with the remaining arms transfer and travel restrictions in resolution 2231 (2016). These reports include new information about interdictions of arms exported from Iran, transfers Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has openly boasted about in his public speeches even as resolution 2231 (2016) prohibits these shipments. Israel has also reported to the United Nations that Iran uses commercial flights to supply arms to Hizbullah. According to the Secretary-General’s report, Iran did not even deny these allegations when the United Nations asked about them. These arms transfers should be deeply troubling to each member of the Council in part because Iran is clearly defying a resolution the Council unanimously supported. Therefore, even though Iran is living up to its nuclear commitments, we on the Council need to come together to push Iran to effectively implement the binding provisions of resolution 2231 (2016), especially restrictions that ban Iran’s export of arms and related material and that ban all Member States from transferring to Iran advanced weapon systems, like missiles, tanks and combat aircraft. That also means every Member State needs to enforce the travel restrictions that remain in effect under resolution 2231 (2015). The Secretary-General’s report (S/2016/1136) notes that both Major General Qasem Soleimani and Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi have travelled to Iraq and Syria, in defiance of the Council’s decisions. That is and should be unacceptable to all of us. As we have said before, the strength of resolution 2231 (2015) comes from the commitment of Member States to enforcing it, and the United States calls on them to do so. It is clear that, with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the world today is better off than it was before. Even though there is a long way to go in countering Iran’s destabilizing behaviour in the Middle East, any world where Iran is not pursuing a nuclear weapon is a safer world. Looking ahead, as this deal is likely to be subjected to even greater scrutiny than it is at present, it is important for all of us — here and outside, in all of our nations — to remember that it is much harder to build up frameworks and institutions than to tear them down. The progress we have achieved, so far, depends on maintaining our collective determination to sustain the JCPOA. So, we, and each of the JCPOA participants need to stand by the commitments that we have made and work even harder to make sure that all States comply with their obligations under resolution 2231 (2015), and we need to remember that if negotiating an Iran nuclear deal was possible then we on the Council have it within our power to act decisively when other crises demand it. Let me conclude with an idea — fittingly, given the Swedish presidency, from a renowned Swedish author, Elin Wägner, who said that values and ideals are like those old-fashioned bicycle lights. They do not light up until and unless you start to pedal forward. That can be said for so much of the work we aspire to do on the Council, and it is true of all of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Unless we pedal, they do not light up. The principles do not become real for real people out in the real wold. Problems do not get fixed, conflicts drag on, crushing poverty persists. Unless we pedal hard and pedal together, we do not make the impact that we seek. We do not make the impact that we, who are sent here by our citizens and people, are here to make. And we must keep working to make those principles real, because as I have tried to underscore so often, the lives of so many people depend on those principles being turned into practice. To the girl fleeing armed soldiers in South Sudan, making protection more than a promise in a mandate, means the difference between life and death. To the child in a besieged city in Syria, the prohibition on the bombing of schools and hospitals may mean the difference between life and death. To the man or woman in Uganda or North Korea, the idea that a person should not be locked up for who you love or what you believe might mean the difference between a life of freedom and a life of imprisonment or harassment. So, as I leave, I urge the Council to keep pedaling and to not give up, especially when it seems hard. Make sure that those principles in the United Nations Charter light up. Do not let them go dark for the people who count on us. I wish the Council all the best in the months and years ahead, and I reiterate my thanks for the professionalism and friendship of its members.

I want to begin by paying tribute to Ms. Power in her final appearance in the Security Council. Throughout my time here, she has been that hard pedaling dynamo that she just described. She has been a tireless advocate, a passionate campaigner, a trusted ally and a true friend. She has shown an unrelenting personal commitment to tackling the most troubling issues: Syria, Ebola, the Central African Republic and human rights. And on all those issues and so many more, she has grounded our diplomacy in humanity, bringing the voices of real people affected by those conflicts into the Chamber. Turning to Iran, let me join others in welcoming the second report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2016/1136). I thank our briefers for their remarks just now. I would also like to welcome Mr. Cardi to his new role as facilitator for resolution 2231 (2015). He takes on the role at an important time. We have a significant year ahead of us on the Iran nuclear dossier, but 12 months on from implementation day, I think it is right to first look back on how far we have come. We have seen Iran remove 13,000 centrifuges, as well as associated infrastructure, and eliminate its stock of 20 per cent enriched uranium. We have seen the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons disappear for over a decade. We have seen Iran work with us and our E3+3 partners, in the Joint Commission and the working groups established under the deal, and we are pleased that the procurement channel, established for the export of nuclear-related goods and services to Iran is fully functional. Applications are being approved, confidentiality is being respected and we hope to receive applications from many more countries over the coming year. And in turn, we have also seen economic prospects improve in Iran with United Kingdom exports, for instance, to Iran growing by 42 per cent in just nine months, last year. We remain committed to ensuring that trade continues to grow to the tangible economic benefit of the Iranian people under the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). The second phase of sanctions lifting, which will commence a maximum of eight years after implementation date, provides a further incentive for Iran to comply with the deal, but we remain committed to ensuring that the sanctions that remain in place, continue to be enforced robustly. Away from the nuclear file, Iran continues to play a destabilizing role in the region. That is most clearly seen in Syria. Iran has failed to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law in Syria, for instance, by failing to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid into eastern Aleppo, as it was besieged. So we need to recognize the fundamental tension in Iran’s engagement with the world. On the one hand, through the Iran deal, they were part of an indisputable diplomatic success, one that degraded a significant threat to the region, and yet on the other, we need only look to the victims of Aleppo to see how Iran’s engagement in the region remains, so often, misguided. Iran continues to provide substantial military and financial support to Hizbullah and the Syrian regime. As the Secretary-General’s report makes clear, the leader of Hizbullah stated that Iran supplies all their weapons and missiles. Senior Iranian individuals listed under resolution 2231 (2015), continue to flout the travel ban imposed by the Council, with Major General Soleimani pictured in Aleppo in September, in a show of support for the Syrian regime. Those actions show that Iran chooses to complicate, not extinguish a conflict that has persisted for far too long, and that is simply not the way to build our confidence. Iran must take clear steps to improve its engagement in the region, this year. We welcome the latest International Atomic Energy Agency report (S/2016/983, annex), which confirmed that Iran continue to comply, broadly, with its nuclear commitments and we expect Iran to continue to do so, this year. But in order to benefit fully from the lifting of United Nations, European Union and United States sanctions, Iran must build that confidence among the international community and show that it has changed its disruptive behaviour in the region. Therefore, it is vital that Member States continue to enforce the sanctions regime by acting on and reporting all suspected violations. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for all Member States to take the necessary measures to prevent entry or transit of Iranians subject to travel bans. We also urge Member States to consider whether exporting arms to Iran is in the best interests of the region. In addition, we remain concerned by Iran’s ballistic missile program, and we urge all Member States to continue to enforce the sanctions regime on ballistic missile technology and to act on and report all suspected violations. As one of the architects of the JCPOA, the United Kingdom remains committed to ensuring that the Iran deal is a success.

On behalf of France, but also in my personal capacity, let me begin by paying special tribute to our colleague and friend Samantha Power for her outstanding work and her exemplary and tireless commitment to the values of the United Nations. Ambassador Power is an exceptional person, and I address to her from the bottom of my heart my friendship and most cordial personal and professional wishes for all the best in the next chapter in her life. I would also like to congratulate our Italian colleague, Mr. Sebastiano Cardi, for having taken over from our Spanish colleague the role of facilitator of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Almost a year ago, on 16 January 2016, the Council received assurances from the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran had successfully implemented the preliminary actions related to the nuclear field and specified in the agreement concluded on 14 July 2015 in Vienna between the E3+3 and Iran, paving the way for its implementation. The adoption of the Vienna agreement and its endorsement by the Council, through resolution 2231 (2015), marked an important step, as it strictly governed Iran’s nuclear activities over the life of the agreement, with the ultimate objective of re-establishing, in the end, confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. At that time, we welcomed this important achievement, with regard both to our sustained efforts aimed at non-proliferation and, more broadly, for stability in the region and for international peace and security. Over the past year, the E3+3 countries have implemented their commitments in full. A very close follow-up of the implementation of Iran’s nuclear commitments has been put in place with a view to promoting transparency and efficiency. In that context, France fully supports the rigorous implementation of all the provisions of the agreement and the monitoring of the commitments of the parties over the long term. The International Atomic Energy Agency has a crucial role and has been diligently pursuing its verification and monitoring activities of Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments, in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). I would also like to express our satisfaction with the recent publication of documents approved between the E3+3 and Iran in the framework of the Joint Commission established by the agreement. It contributes to the proper implementation of the agreement by increasing transparency towards the entire international community in the monitoring of the implementation of the Iranian commitments. It allows everyone to see the detail and modalities of verification of Iranian commitments under the Vienna agreement and to evaluate compliance with them in an informed manner. In that context of rigor and transparency, we see that the benefits of the agreement for Iran are beginning to be felt. On the economic and commercial front, bilateral trade between France and Iran has increased by 200 per cent in value since January 2016. Iranian oil exports are continuously increasing. The French Government, in conjunction with its partners in the European Union, has continued its efforts to provide companies with the necessary information and guidance on the lifting of sanctions in order to support their return to Iran. We will continue along that path. Furthermore, in the nuclear field and within the framework strictly determined by the agreement and in accordance with its provisions, our two countries have initiated discussions on the launching of bilateral cooperation in the area of security and in certain fields of magnetic confinement fusion. Finally, several requests for the transfer of goods whose export is governed by resolution 2231 (2015) have been submitted through the procurement channel established by the agreement and have been approved by the members of the Council. Nevertheless, the establishment of a climate of lasting confidence requires full respect for the commitments made not only under the Vienna agreement but also under resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed it. I would like to express our concern with regard to the information on Iran’s failure to comply with several important provisions of resolution 2231 (2015) over the past six months, which is contained in the full and factual report (S/2016/1136) that was presented to us. We remain very concerned about the information that has been detailed to us today. I am referring, of course, to the Iranian arms seizures in 2016, mentioned in the report, by Australia and the Combined Maritime Forces and by my own country, which constitute violations of annex B of resolution 2231 (2015). In the same vein, I am referring in particular to the information available to us on the arms transfers between Iran and Hizbullah, which are of great concern to us. Furthermore, we are equally concerned about the information relating to the travel abroad of Major General Soleimani and Brigadier General Naqdi, even though they are subject to a travel ban decided by the Security Council and confirmed by resolution 2231 (2015 ). It is essential for regional stability and international security that Iran should refrain from any destabilizing activities. Finally, we note the lack of information received on activities in the field of ballistic missiles designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons. We will remain vigilant about the continuation by Iran of any such activity, contrary to resolution 2231 (2015), and the spirit of the Vienna agreement, and contradicting the objective of consolidating regional stability. In conclusion, I would like to stress the need to maintain our collective commitment to ensuring the long-term implementation of all the provisions of the Vienna agreement and of resolution 2231 (2015) in the same spirit of cooperation that favoured the conclusion of the agreement. The continuation of the diplomatic success that the conclusion of the Vienna agreement and the adoption of resolution 2231 (2015) represent requires strict and transparent compliance in the long term with all their provisions. France will therefore remain vigilant and will contribute to the vigilance of the Security Council throughout the process.

We would like to thank Under-Secretary- General Jeffrey Feltman for presenting the second report (S/2016/1136) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). We note the productive start to the work of the Security Council’s new facilitator on the implementation of the resolution, the Permanent Representative of Italy, Mr. Sebastiano Cardi. We are also grateful to the Permanent Representative of Spain for the important work that he undertook previously on this very important resolution. We highlight once again that the report of the Secretary-General used less unsubstantiated data and unverified information from the media that could not be checked or confirmed than the first report (see S/2016/589). The new report has become more fact- based, impartial and neutral than the first. However, the text continues to include some elements that can raise serious questions. There are also repetitions, creating artificial emphasis. The main shortcoming of the report is that the Secretariat ignored Tehran’s wishes to include in it information on the actual problems related to meeting sanctions-lifting obligations in the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). As in the first report, we note a clear slant towards issues of implementing annex B aimed at maintaining limits on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The result is a one-sided and equivocal report. Although the report is submitted pursuant to resolution 2231 (2015), the references made in it are only to annex B, which is actually a separate statement of the 5+1 group. Let us not forget that, on 16 January 2016, the Security Council drew up a special note instructing the Secretary-General to submit reports. The note refers to the entire resolution 2231 (2015), and not to separate parts of it, in particular annex B. We suggest that, if there are any doubts or questions about the scope, the structure or individual elements of the report, then the Secretary-General can, and must, approach the Security Council for appropriate clarifications. Furthermore, that procedure has already been used by the Secretary-General, as reported in the report, with regard to the issue of the temporary removal of conventional weapons that are subject to restriction. We call upon the Secretary-General to monitor the respect for paragraph 27 of resolution 2231 (2015), which clearly emphasizes the non-precedent-setting nature of the provisions of the JCPOA, given that there have been attempts to use the exclusive agreements in the JCPOA in other contexts. A number of non-governmental organizations have been trying to promote ways in which the JCPOA could be used to enhance the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) safeguards system and advance nuclear disarmament. Such arbitrary actions must be monitored. As before, we continue to call for a change in the conceptual approach to the preparation of the report, which presents all information in a negative tone. First and foremost, the document should help to establish and enhance conditions that would lead to a successful and lasting implementation of the JCPOA, which would be the most important diplomatic achievement. The Russian Federation is generally satisfied with the results that have been achieved in the year since the start of the implementation of the JCPOA. The working mechanisms of the Joint Commission have started functioning and have been working satisfactorily. In our view, the Commission is effectively addressing emerging issues. We believe that Iran is fully complying with its obligations, which is reflected in the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The occasional technical problems that have emerged are being addressed effectively, and the most recent clear example of that is the approval by the Joint Commission of the decision regarding the clean-up of the production line at the Isfahan plant and the handling of enriched uranium. In the long term, the procedure developed will allow us to address the issue of Tehran’s compliance with the established limit of 300 kilogrammes for stocks of such material. We advocate against any attempts to exert pressure on Tehran in the area of its missile and conventional weapons programmes. Any threats in that area affecting the lifting of unilateral sanctions and Iran’s return to the international economic and financial markets are unacceptable and counter-productive. We would like to address an element contained in the report — the request of the Secretary-General to the Security Council to clarify the issue of the temporary transfer of conventional weapons. We are ready to participate actively in preparing and providing an adequate reply to the Secretary-General. We believe that the temporary removal of conventional weapons does not fall under the scope of annex B.

China would like to thank you, Sir, for convening today’s meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Feltman, Ambassador Cardi and Ambassador Vale de Almeida for their briefings. The implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during the first year has registered good progress overall. At the sixth Joint Commission meeting of the JCPOA, everyone gave a positive assessment of the implementation of the Plan of Action, exchanged views on the lifting of sanctions and on nuclear issues in an earnest and in-depth manner and committed to the continuous implementation of the JCPOA. China has taken note of the reports submitted by Secretary-General Guterres (S/2016/1136) and Ambassador Cardi (see S/2017/49) as the facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), and appreciates the efforts that have gone into the drafting of those reports. The reports provide an accurate reflection of the implementation efforts made by the parties concerned. It is of critical importance to send a positive signal that all parties are committed to the implementation of the resolution and the JCPOA. China has taken note of Iran’s legitimate concerns with regard to the content of the reports. China appreciates the efforts by Iran to implement the JCPOA and hopes that the legitimate concerns of Iran will be duly reflected. China also acknowledges the recent report (see S/2016/1113) by the Joint Commission to Security Council on the work of the Procurement Working Group and will continue to participate actively in the work of both the Commission and the Working Group. Since the JCPOA is not being implemented in a vacuum, there will be difficulties and challenges along the way, and joint efforts will be required. First, all parties should reaffirm their political will and eliminate external interference, so as to be able to stay the course in the implementation. Secondly, the parties should honour their commitments, in strict accordance with the JCPOA, which provides the fundamental guidelines for action. Thirdly, they should demonstrate goodwill and properly address technical divergences through consultations, on an equal footing, in the quest for a long-term, sustainable solution. Only in so doing can the implementation of JCPOA be successful and lasting. China has always advocated for the settlement of the Iran nuclear issue by political and diplomatic means and is dedicated to the strengthening of the international nuclear non-proliferation system and the maintenance of international and regional peace and stability. As an active participant, promoter and contributor in the process to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, China supports and safeguards the historic achievement of the JCPOA, and will continue to work with all parties to promote the sustained, comprehensive and effective implementation of the JCPOA.

I join with others in paying tribute to and thanking Ambassador Samantha Power for the tireless dedication with which she has tackled the numerous difficulties that the world faces. It has indeed been a pleasure working with Ambassador Power, even if for only six months in my case. I would like to thank the three briefers for their detailed reports on this important topic. Two days ago, we marked the first anniversary of efforts to commence the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the launch of meetings on resolution 2231 (2015) at the Security Council. We are encouraged by the very positive statements made by JCPOA members over the past few days and today, reaffirming their strong commitment to respect and implement the agreement. Japan fully agrees on the importance of implementing the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015), and will continue to strongly support both. One of the most visible examples of the support we provide to the implementation of the JCPOA is our cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which verifies and monitors that Iran’s nuclear programme is being used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Japan has announced that it will provide assistance through the IAEA for the purposes of implementing nuclear safety and safeguards commitments. The IAEA is playing an invaluable role in that regard, and we offer our full support. The international community has wholeheartedly backed the implementation of the nuclear- and JCPOA- related elements of resolution 2231 (2015). In addition, the Council is also responsible for closely monitoring the implementation of the provisions of annex B of the resolution. Japan commends the efforts of the Secretariat to provide an objective and comprehensive report on that area. We are aware of some alleged cases that may contravene the provisions of annex B, in particular regarding the arms and travel bans. We encourage the Secretariat to continue to examine those cases. The Council should utilize tools such as the Yemen Sanctions Committee and Somalia Sanctions Committee to obtain the relevant information. As the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), I am pleased to cooperate with the facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), the Secretariat and other bodies. Possible contraventions of the arms and travel bans are particularly serious, because they have both direct and indirect impacts on the regional situation. Japan believes that one of the most significant by-products of the JCPOA is its potential to contribute to peace and security in the Middle East. We believe that Iran can, and should, play a constructive role in addressing the difficult situations in Syria and Yemen. The Council is responsible for closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures as necessary in order to prevent actions that could undermine the stability of the region. A significant achievement of resolution 2231 (2015) during the past six months was achieving the full functionality of the procurement channel for processing nuclear-related proposals. Japan appreciates the efforts of the facilitator and the Secretariat to make the mechanism useful and transparent for all Member States, thereby ensuring the necessary information security and confidentiality. We will continue to support work under the resolution 2231 (2015) format in that regard. Many of us today have welcomed the steady implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015), and we hope to see the participation of the delegation of Iran in future meetings. Japan is committed to working closely with Council members, JCPOA members and Iran, both individually and collectively, so as to enable the most effective possible implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).

I would like to begin by adding my sincerest words of thanks and paying tribute to our colleague Ambassador Samantha Power. I thank her for the opportunity and privilege to work with her over the past year. I appreciate that we were able to work so closely. I thank her for her convictions and strong stand for justice. That is not to be forgotten. As in Italian, in Ukrainian we say, “see you soon”. I hope very much to see her soon again. I would like to thank all three briefers for providing factual and substantial reports on the status of the implementation of both resolution 2231 (2015) and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as well as for giving a detailed presentation on the work conducted in that area over the past six months. In that regard, I would like to point out that in December 2016 Ukraine submitted to the facilitator its national report on steps undertaken last year to bring its legal framework into compliance with resolution 2231 (2015). Ukraine joins others in welcoming implementation day on 16 January 2016, which we believe marks a new stage in the Iranian nuclear issue and in the promotion of peace and security in the region. We highly commend the concerted efforts of the Secretariat, the European Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the facilitator’s team to ensure the full and proper implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015). Those instruments have provided a platform of convergence for the common interests of the international community and have contributed to strengthening the non-proliferation regime, in general. As a staunch supporter of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Ukraine stresses the importance of full and faithful compliance with that crucial treaty, which aims at striking a balance between the legitimate right to develop nuclear energy and the need to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The JCPOA fully respects such a balance. We welcome the detailed IAEA reports on the implementation of Iran’s nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, including heavy-water restrictions. We support the Agency’s role in the verification and monitoring of the use of nuclear material and technologies exclusively for peaceful purposes. The provisional application by Iran of the Additional Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency and Teheran’s compliance with the transparency measures set out in the JCPOA significantly contribute to the sustainable implementation of the entire agreement. Over the past six months, we have witnessed the smooth and effective functioning of the procurement channel mechanism, with the approval of several proposals to supply the relevant goods and technologies to Iran. We welcome that no actions were carried out in contravention of the ballistic missile-related provisions of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) during the reporting period, as the Secretary-General indicated. At the same time, we share concerns relating to the incidents involving the seizure of conventional arms, allegedly originating in Iran, that were likely bound for conflict zones. We fully support the intention of the Secretary-General to continue examining those cases and obtain additional information. The incidents of non-compliance with the travel ban stipulated by resolution 2231 (2015) jeopardize its successful implementation as well. Having stressed the imperative of full compliance with the relevant obligations, Ukraine reiterates the importance for all parties engaged in the process to interact constructively to resolve outstanding issues for the sake of the hard-won non-proliferation deal. Its proper and diligent implementation represents a key contribution to regional and global security and stability. We call on all stake-holders involved to ensure that the concerns raised in the reports of the Secretary-General (S/2016/1136) and the facilitator (see S/2017/49) are not allowed to lead to further disputes; they should rather be duly considered and resolved through constructive dialogue. Proceeding from what I have just stated, and taking into account the current tense situation in the Middle East, it is important to further raise public awareness on the progress achieved since the entry into force of this historic nuclear agreement. That is even more important at this juncture when we are about to enter a new cycle of Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conferences. To conclude, I reiterate the significance of unity in the Council’s stance when dealing with this sensitive issue and its determination to ensure the further implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).

I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman, Ambassador João Vale de Almeida and Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi for their respective briefings on the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and resolution 2231 (2015). Of course, I endorse everything that you said before the meeting, Mr. President, with regard to Ambassador Samantha Power. Whether one loves or hates her, one will never be misled by her. What you see is what you get. There is no duplicity in Samantha Power. That is a great quality that is not abundantly present in the world. I wish her and her family long life and success. The Iranian nuclear deal represents, as Under- Secretary-General Feltman said, a significant achievement of multilateralism and diplomacy in addressing one of the most pressing peace and security issues of our time. One year since implementation day, the Security Council should be encouraged by the progress made in the implementation of the landmark JCPOA agreement, which contributes much to the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime and the promotion of international peace and security. In that connection, we take note of the key findings and recommendation of the Secretary-General contained in his second biannual report (S/2016/1136) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Most notably, as others have indicated  — and it is worth repeating — no information has been received during the past six months with regard to actions inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015), in particular as it pertains to the supply, sale, transfer or export of nuclear-related items, ballistic missile activity, or ballistic missile-related transfers, as well as asset-freeze violations. That is indeed a positive development, clearly indicating that the implementation of the agreement is firmly on course. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the participating countries deserve to be commended for demonstrating strong commitment under the JCPOA framework. Of course, we understand the challenges and difficulties that may be encountered in implementation, and that is only natural. However, it is absolutely critical that all participants continue to display the same spirit of cooperation in order to address this challenge and preserve the agreement so as to achieve the desired objectives. Here I would like to echo something that Ambassador Vale de Almeida said in his briefing: “The work we have undertaken so far has proven that it is possible to reach agreements even on the most contentious issues and to implement them, provided that there is a will to do so.” As the Secretary-General’s report indicates, there are some issues that could lead to ambiguities and different interpretations of the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015) on the JCPOA. In that regard, explanations such as that provided by the Joint Commission on the temporary transfer of nuclear weapons are necessary in order to clear up misunderstandings and avoid any possible obstacles to full implementation of the agreement. The close cooperation and working relationship between the Joint Commission and the Security Council with regard to the procurement channel is important. The continued cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the JCPOA-participating States will also continue to be critical to the full implementation of the nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA and to the broader implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Lastly, we are concerned about the information provided by France about the seizure of arms shipments that were probably destined for Yemen or Somalia, as indicated in the Secretary-General’s report. We therefore hope that the necessary investigation will be carried out in order to verify the information and that the Council will be briefed about the outcome in due course.

I thank Mr. Feltman, Mr. Cardi and Mr. Vale de Almeida for their briefings, and Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi of Spain for the work he led last year. The information they have given us shows that the issue has positive aspects, challenges and also some areas of concern. Uruguay is firmly committed to non-proliferation and to strengthening the nuclear disarmament regime. We do not possess nuclear weapons and we are a member of the world’s first nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Treaty of Tlatelolco and its counterpart organization in Latin America, the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We were pleased and optimistic about the signing in Vienna in 2015 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear programme. Exactly one year later, after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had verified that Iran had complied with the initial provisions of the agreement, during Uruguay’s presidency of the Council, we reached the starting date for implementation, marking another important milestone in the process, a key achievement for non-proliferation and a significant contribution to international peace, security and stability that eliminates one of the main sources of tension in the troubled region of the Middle East. The steps taken by Iran and the other parties to the agreement showed that positive results can be achieved with political will and diplomacy, even in cases where they seem distant prospects. We appreciate the IAEA’s confirmation that so far Iran has been fulfilling the provisions of the agreement. At the same time, we are concerned about the criticisms in the report regarding Iran’s possible violation of the provisions of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). In that regard, while we are grateful for Iran’s detailed report on its compliance with that annex, in the future we would also like to know the degree of its compliance with other aspects of the resolution, including annex A. Uruguay urges all the parties to the agreement to take all the necessary measures stipulated in resolution 2231 (2015) and to comply with its provisions in order not to jeopardize a historic agreement that was the result of more than two years of intense negotiations. In that regard, we encourage the parties to act with restraint and caution and to refrain from taking any action that runs counter to the agreement. The Security Council, as a guarantor of international peace and security, should oversee its full compliance. (spoke in English) I would like to express my good wishes to the lady sitting on my right, whom I will miss. It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Power — whether we have been in agreement or disagreement, it has always been a pleasure and an enriching experience to listen to her arguments, but mostly to be touched by the fire and passion that she always puts into her statements. I wish her all the very best. In Spanish we often say adiós, but we also often say hasta pronto — see you soon.

My delegation would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General and the Secretariat for preparing this important report (S/2016/1136) on monitoring the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), on Iran. I would also like to welcome my friend and colleague Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi as facilitator for the resolution’s implementation and to wish him every success. Egypt would like to emphasize the importance of Iran’s continued compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and related Security Council resolutions. The Security Council and the relevant international organizations must continue to carry out their responsibilities regarding verification of Iran’s compliance with its commitments in the area of nuclear and missile activities, as well as other activities covered under the Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2231 (2015), on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We would also like to stress how seriously we take Iran’s suspected continuing illegal arms trafficking in the Middle East, its role in fuelling some of the conflicts in the region and its sponsorship of terrorism, all of them activities that destabilize the region. They are a violation of United Nations principles, first and foremost the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States. They also run counter to the neighbourly relations that we wish all countries in the region would commit to so that we can achieve the stability we want, paving the way for constructive dialogue. In that context, we should once again reiterate the resolutions of the League of Arab States on Iran’s conduct in the region, particularly the importance of reaching a settlement on the three Emirati islands and addressing Iran’s interference in the internal affairs of Arab States, as well as its conduct, which has a clearly sectarian attitude that tends to exacerbate the tension, division and violence that are already widespread in the Middle East.

I would like to say at the outset, Mr. President, that my delegation fully associates itself with the very apt words you expressed prior to the beginning of this meeting in paying well-deserved tribute to Ambassador Samantha Power as she prepares to leave the Chamber and her work as Permanent Representative of the United States. Ambassador Power has served her country with dedication and on every occasion found the energy necessary to advance the Council’s work, including on issues related to Africa. We wish her good luck. I should like to thank Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman; Ambassador De Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations; and Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy and facilitator of the implementation of resolution 2231(2015), for their briefings. By endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in resolution 2231 (2015) on 20 July 2015, the Security Council confirmed the agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, which enshrines the completion of 12 years of diplomatic efforts on the part of the United States of America, Russia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China,the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2016/1136), which we are discussing today and which is the second of its kind established in accordance with the provisions set out in annex В to that resolution, comprehensively describes the provisions relating to nuclear issues and ballistic missiles, travel bans, the freezing of assets and measures taken to promote the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). With regard to nuclear-related provisions, the report clearly indicates that the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to fulfil its obligations, as outlined in the last two quarterly reports published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in September and November on its verification and monitoring activities in that country, as well as the monitoring of Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. In addition, we welcome the five new nuclear proposals submitted under the procurement channel, three of which have already been approved by the Security Council. This clearly confirms the effectiveness of the cooperation between our Council and the Joint Commission set up under the JCPOA. The interface thus constituted between the members of the Security Council and the Joint Commission is functioning well, thereby ensuring visibility, inclusiveness and transparency. Similarly, no activity or transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran has been reported in the report, thereby reinforcing compliance with the provisions of the resolution by that country. However, mention is made once again of a transfer of arms from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of the provisions of annex В to resolution 2231 (2015). We are awaiting more information from the Secretariat concerning the origin of these weapons. Moreover, the Senegalese delegation is concerned about indications that Iran is supplying weapons to Hizbullah. With regard to the freezing of assets and travel bans, we urge the parties to respect these provisions while the Council continues to work on delisting the remaining 36 entities and persons. With regard to the efforts of the Secretariat and the facilitator in the implementation of resolution 2231, including the practical information provided on the procurement channel, we can say that they deserve all our support and cooperation. Indeed, thanks to an informative website and awareness-raising activities, Member States have access to the information necessary to fulfil their obligations properly, in particular the follow-up of actions deemed not to comply with resolution 2231 (2015), the procurement channel, confidentiality, notifications and exemptions, not to mention issues of transparency and popularization. I should like to conclude by noting that the Senegalese delegation is of the opinion that the annual review of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) is generally positive and encourages the facilitator, all stakeholders in the JCPOA and the States Members of the United Nations to persevere in this direction.

At the outset, I should like to join our colleagues in paying tribute to Ambassador Samantha Power for her dedication, commitment and contribution to peace and security. We wish her every success in her future endeavours. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Feltman, European Union observer De Almeida and Permanent Representative of Italy Sebastiano Cardi for their briefings. Our gratitude also goes to the Security Council secretariat for its support to the Council in implementing resolution 2231 (2015). My country has always supported the process of international negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme and made a practical contribution to it. Two rounds of talks on this matter in Kazakhstan in 2013 contributed to creating an atmosphere of trust and confidence that facilitated further fruitful rounds of negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran, and paved the way for the agreement. As part of the agreement, in 2015 and 2016 Kazakhstan supplied Iran with natural uranium on commercial terms in compensation for the removal of low-enriched uranium from that country, as specified in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We are ready and willing to continue our supply, if necessary, in accordance with the requirements of resolution 2231 (2015) and other documents related to the Iranian nuclear programme. For the past thee years, Kazakhstan has contributed $650,000 to the Nuclear Security Fund of the International Atomic Energy Agency, some of which have been allocated to support monitoring and verification activities in Iran in relation to the Joint Plan of Action. As noted in the second report of the Secretary- General (S/2016/1136), over the past year there has been no report of Iranian violations of the provisions of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). In this regard, we commend the strong commitment of Iran to complying with resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA, which is very important to the further implementation of the Agreement. At the same time, we note that in the past reporting period only five additional nuclear-related proposals have been submitted through the procurement channel, three of which were approved by the Security Council. These statistics, in our view, suggest the need to maintain ongoing transparency, with practical guidance and outreach as a priority. That is important in view of the need for a proper understanding and implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Implementing the JCPOA has had a significant impact on normalizing the situation in the region as a whole. The JCPOA will have a positive effect on the revitalization of economic activity in the region. In that context, the expansion of economic relations between Iran and regional countries, including the Central Asian States, will promote business activity and economic development in the region. As evidence of this, I would cite the mutual visits of the heads of Kazakhstan and Iran in the past year. In April 2016, President of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev paid a visit to Tehran, which resulted in 51 commercial agreements and contracts worth more than $1 billion. In December 2016, Iranian President Rouhani made a return visit to Astana, during which further agreements were reached to strengthen mutually beneficial trade, economic and investment cooperation. Kazakhstan, as a land-locked country, gained the opportunity to enter the world markets and export its products with the launch of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway. Thus, the JCPOA has brought positive changes and, consequently, the revival of economic relations among the countries of the region. In conclusion, I wish to underline that Kazakhstan will continue to support and to implement strictly resolution 2231 (2015), and express the readiness of my Government to cooperate with Iran in the framework of implementing the JCPOA.

At the outset, I wish to join my colleagues in wishing Ms. Samantha Power and her family happiness, peace and love. (spoke in Spanish) Allow me to express the gratitude of my delegation for the report presented by Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, the statement made by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr. João Vale de Almeida, as well as for the report presented by the Permanent Representative of Italy, Mr. Sebastiano Cardi, as facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — which was negotiated by Germany, China, the United States of America, the Russian Federation, France, the United Kingdom, the High Representative of the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran — was adopted on 14 July 2015. On 20 July, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2231 (2015), in which it endorsed the JCPOA. The Security Council affirmed that the implementation of the Plan of Action would contribute to building trust in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and highlighted the fact that the Plan promotes and facilitates the normal development of cooperation and economic and trade contacts with the Islamic Republic of Iran. That moment in recent history represented a qualitative step forward when compared to other conflicts facing humankind. As such, it was doubtlessly a victory for multilateralism over unilateralism. It was a victory for the respect of the equality of all United Nations Member States over interventionism. It was a victory for negotiation over compulsion. It was a victory of diplomacy against the use of force, and a clear illustration that diplomacy cannot and should not be entrenched in fixed positions. Instead, diplomacy should help us to build bridges, encourage rapprochement and identify mutual interests that allow us to resolve our disputes peacefully. As has been expressed here today, it was not only the fact that we reached this agreement that fills us with a deep sense of satisfaction and hope, but the implementation of the agreement as well. Iran — and we should all recognize this — has met its obligations. In addition, the United Nations, the European Union and the United States have lifted sanctions related to the matter. The International Atomic Energy Agency has asked the Security Council to undertake the necessary verification and monitoring of Iran’s fulfilment of its obligations in the nuclear sphere with regard to the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (see S/2016/589). Allow me to point out that I do this not only in my capacity as Permanent Representative of Bolivia, but also as a member of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, a nuclear-weapon-free zone. We hope to soon see the day when the Middle East in its entirety will also be a zone declared free of nuclear weapons. And we have not given up on the dream that our entire planet will one day be free of these weapons, which represent a serious threat, not only to international peace and security, but also to the very survival of our species and Mother Earth. The report presented today pursuant to the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) shows progress in the review of each case, and encourages us to ensure that each review is independent, impartial, comprehensive and conclusive, based on reliable information, and its results duly verified. We are of the view that when additional information is required, the Secretariat should use all the necessary sources of information so that it can include in its report those cases that have been brought to its attention. We highlight that the aforesaid is aimed only at contributing to the continuity of the work undertaken by the Secretary- General with regard to the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). In conclusion, we believe it vital that the next report to be submitted to this body deal with the provisions of annexes A and B of resolution 2231 (2015).

I shall speak in my national capacity. Since its conclusion, Italy has considered the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to be proof of how diplomacy can effectively lead to a solution to issues related to nuclear non-proliferation. In particular, the JCPOA has been set up with a robust and comprehensive structure, supported by a solid verification mechanism, which is crucial to upholding mutual trust and the credibility of the Plan. For that reason, Italy will continue to strongly support the International Atomic Energy Agency in its verification and monitoring duties. In that respect, Italy commends the Agency for the work it has done to date and the productive dialogue it has held with all stakeholders. Italy also commends the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, for her leadership as Coordinator of the Joint Commission established by the JCPOA. Two days after the first anniversary of implementation day, it is clear that the mechanism effectively contributes to global security. The implementation of the JCPOA and of resolution 2231 (2015) has advanced very significantly thus far. We trust that all the parties will continue to respect their commitments and the spirit of the agreement in good faith. Only good faith implementation of the JCPOA and of resolution 2231 (2015) will contribute to regional and international peace and security. We encourage all stakeholders to continue to promptly resolve any potential issues through dialogue, using all the relevant mechanisms set up by the JCPOA. Of course, the Security Council has a key role in this process, and Italy will do its part to facilitate the smooth implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), taking the excellent work done by my predecessor, Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi, as an example. In conclusion, we believe that in coming years the international community should continue to ensure that the JCPOA yields benefits for all and that it maintains its central role in the global effort against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Sweden. Sweden warmly welcomed the agreement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in July 2015. It is a victory for diplomacy and a prime example of peaceful dispute resolution and conflict prevention. Its successful implementation benefits both stability in the region and international peace and security. We call on all parties to fully honour their commitments and to build on the momentum provided by the agreement. Sweden welcomes the report of the Secretary- General (S/2016/1136), which finds that implementation, overall, is on track. We commend the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its compliance with its nuclear-related obligations, as evidenced by the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The fact that there has been no information indicating activities in contravention of restrictions regarding ballistic missile activity and related technology is welcome. It is also promising that the procurement channel process is working, in line with the agreement. Despite the generally positive picture regarding implementation, a number of areas for concern remain, however. First, we are concerned about reports of arms transfers, alleged to have originated in Iran, having taken place. All supply, sale or transfer of arms or related materials from Iran must be authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Security Council. Secondly, there have been reported contraventions of the travel ban. Only the Security Council can determine when such travel is justified, and all countries must meet their obligations to prevent entry and transit through their territories of individuals on the list maintained pursuant to resolution 2231 (2015). Sweden calls on the Government of Iran to formally respond to the reports of activities undertaken contrary to the provisions of annex B to the resolution identified in the Secretary-General’s report. We stress the importance of the Secretary-General receiving all the necessary information, including the opportunity to examine specific seizures of arms suspected to have originated in Iran. A close dialogue between Iran and the Secretary-General and between Iran and the facilitator is instrumental in that regard. A crucial confidence-building measure would be early ratification by Iran of the Additional Protocol. The historic agreement is one of the major diplomatic achievements of the past decade. Successful implementation requires the long-term commitment of all parties, based on mutual trust and respect. I hope we can all work towards that end. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of Germany.

Germany would like to thank today’s briefers and the Secretary-General for his second report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2016/1136), introduced by Under-Secretary- General Feltman at this meeting. Let me briefly make three points. First, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), endorsed by resolution 2231 (2015), is an outstanding success of diplomacy in an extremely volatile region. It is a thoughtful agreement building on and strengthening the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. One year into the implementation of the JCPOA, there is no doubt that the deal is working. All participants have been keeping their commitments. That contributes to security and stability in the region. All participants to the agreement will now need to adhere to the JCPOA for its full duration in order to ensure its continued success. Secondly, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has to date verified in four reports that Iran is abiding by its nuclear-related commitment  — and I stress nuclear-related. Going ahead, verification and monitoring by the IAEA will remain essential to re-establishing trust and confidence and to reassuring the world that Iran’s nuclear programme serves exclusively peaceful purposes. The easing of sanctions has brought considerable economic progress to Iran over the past 12 months. Just two indicators are the fact that gross domestic product has grown by 4.5 per cent and the conclusion of substantial business contracts, among them by Boeing and Airbus. That is a powerful and encouraging signal. We are confident that the people of Iran are now beginning to reap the benefit of Iran’s return to international trade and growth. At the same time, we all know that economic consolidation and growth take time. The full and comprehensive implementation of the JCPOA provides the basis for that to happen. It is a precondition for confidence to also grow in the business community. Germany remains committed to the goal of re-establishing full economic ties with Iran to the benefit of all parties concerned. Thirdly, Germany welcomes the fact that the procurement channel has become fully operational. We thank Spain for its important role in that regard. We look forward to continuing the excellent cooperation with the Security Council via the new facilitator, Italy. The Vienna agreement and resolution 2231 (2015) are a victory for the principles of the United Nations. The JCPOA negotiations show the power of persistent multilateral diplomacy to address major international challenges. Germany is proud to be a party to the JCPOA and remains firmly committed to its continued and full implementation. With your permission, Mr. President, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our colleague, Ambassador Samantha Power, also on behalf of the non-members of the Security Council, godspeed in her future endeavours, and good luck to all of us in the future without her at this table. Samantha will be missed.