Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012
37. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he has taken in conjunction with his EU counterparts regarding Iranian efforts at nuclear armament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50189/12]
View answer49. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent comments of the Israeli Prime Minister that he is ready to order a unilateral strike on Iran; his views on the possible implication of these comments. [50096/12]
View answer57. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support a peaceful resolution to the Iran, Israel and USA disagreement on nuclear power and weapons. [50458/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 49 and 57 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, Cathy 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 a number of ancillary meetings.
I am satisfied that the EU, along with its other partners, is doing everything it can to encourage Iran to change its course and to negotiate seriously so as to address the major concerns existing regarding its nuclear programme. Regrettably, this has included the necessity to impose several rounds of EU sanctions. A further round of sanctions was agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council in October.
The E3+3 have shown both great patience and creativity in seeking 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 regrettably failed to respond and engage in serious negotiation. I very much hope that they will do so soon. Following the US election, it is likely that a fourth round of talks may be convened in the next few months. But if Iran shows no willingness to negotiate, further meetings are likely to serve little purpose. 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, not confined to Israel alone. There can be no doubt that this issue has increased instability and could even conceivably lead to conflict in an already very troubled region.
Israel in particular has stated clearly that it considers itself actively under threat from Iran. It points to statements about Israel by Iranian leaders, Iran’s supplying of rockets to militant groups who use them to attack Israeli civilians, and alleged Iranian involvement in terrorism against Israelis in other countries. Israel has stated that it will not accept Iran developing a nuclear weapon, and is prepared to use military force to prevent this. I am aware that both Israeli and Iranian leaders have sometimes used directly threatening language, for either domestic or external effect. I have made clear our view that an attempt by any country to resolve this issue by military means could be hugely destabilising in the Middle East and lead to unknown consequences.
I will continue, as I have always done, to advocate strongly that the issues arising in connection with Iran’s nuclear activities can only be resolved through diplomatic negotiations and not by any other means.
