EU Statement on Iran - Vienna

Madam Chairperson,

I am speaking on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey as well as Norway declare that they associate themselves with this statement.

The EU notes with appreciation the introductory Statement made by the Director General on his visit to Iran. We note in particular, the scale of the nuclear facilities in Iran, stated to be intended for peaceful purposes, hitherto not made known to the IAEA. This program seems to be very advanced and to cover all aspects of the fuel cycle including in particular enrichment. We strongly encourage the Director General to pursue outstanding issues with Iran with a view to making a comprehensive report to the June Board.

It is a cause of concern to the EU that the IAEA was not informed by the Iranian authorities about their extensive nuclear program at an earlier stage. The EU underlines the importance, as a matter of transparency, of keeping the IAEA fully informed at an early stage in the development of nuclear programs.

The EU notes that the Iranian authorities agreed to amend the subsidiary arrangements of their safeguards agreement, which commits Iran to provide early design information on relevant facilities.

The EU reiterates its view that, in support of the strengthened safeguards role of the IAEA the Additional Protocol constitutes an integral part of the IAEA safeguards system. The EU therefore urges Iran and all States that have not yet signed and ratified the Additional Protocol to do so.

The EU supports the continuation of the dialogue between the IAEA and Iran.

Thank you Madam Chairperson.

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