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Nuclear Disarmament Initiative

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2012

Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Questions (35, 56)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

35. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on sanctions on Iran with regard to UN Chapter VII, article 39, which the Security Council used to impose sanctions under article 41 (details supplied) and in the absence of a threat to the peace determination, his views on the Security Council adopting binding measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44913/12]

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Michael Moynihan

Question:

56. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with EU actions to curb Iranian efforts to achieve armed nuclear capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44902/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 56 together.

The EU and others have been engaged for almost eight years in efforts to negotiate with Iran a solution to the issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. The EU High Representative, Baroness Ashton, has led negotiations for the E3+3 group (UK, France, Germany, US, Russia and China) with Iran at three negotiating sessions this year as well as at a number of ancillary meetings. The E3+3 Foreign Ministers met at the General Assembly session in New York last month to consider how to proceed.

I am satisfied that the EU, along with its other partners, is doing everything it can to put pressure on Iran to change its course and to negotiate seriously so to address the major concerns which exist regarding its nuclear programme. Regrettably, it has been necessary to impose several rounds of EU sanctions as part of this. A further round of sanctions was agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on Monday.

The E3+3 have shown both great patience and creativity in exploring every avenue for agreement. I believe that there are those in Iran who also wish to reach agreement. However, the regime as a whole has thus far failed to respond and to engage in serious negotiation. I very much hope that they will do so soon.

The UN Security Council has also found it necessary to adopt six resolutions and impose four rounds of sanctions in relation to Iran’s nuclear programme. In adopting such Resolutions, the members of the Security Council would benefit at all times from the advice of the UN Secretary General and of the Office of the UN Legal Counsel as to the resolutions in question being in full accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter. Security Council Resolutions once adopted are, of course, binding on all UN member States.

Ireland has shared the widespread international concerns about the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. These concerns are felt most strongly by other states in the region and are by no means confined to Israel. There can be no doubt that this issue has increased instability and could even conceivably lead to conflict in an already very troubled part of the world.

I will continue to make the case strongly to our EU and other international partners that the issues arising in connection with Iran’s nuclear activities can only be resolved through diplomatic negotiations and not by any other means.

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