Richard Bruton
Ceist:87 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Iranian nuclear programme has recently been discussed by European Union Foreign Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34421/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 October 2006
Ceisteanna (30, 31, 32)
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:119 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to negotiations taking place between Iran and the EU3 with regard to nuclear developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34422/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:139 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to recent EU diplomatic activity regarding Iran’s nuclear programme; if he will clarify Ireland’s attitude towards sanctions on Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34482/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 119 and 139 together.
The question of Iran's nuclear programme is kept under constant review within the European Union at official level and is also the subject of regular discussions at Ministerial level. The most recent such discussion was at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting of 16-17 October in Luxembourg. At that meeting Ministers discussed the latest developments, including the most recent talks between High Representative Solana and lead Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani.
I would recall that on 6 June last, High Representative Solana, on behalf of the EU3 as well as China, Russia and the United States, presented a package of incentives to Iran containing a framework for a wider agreement through which a peaceful and acceptable resolution to the issue of its nuclear programme could be found. The European Council endorsed this package on 16 June. Negotiations on the package were to commence once Iran had suspended its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, as requested by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Following two unsuccessful meetings in early July between High Representative Solana and Ali Larijani to clarify the contents of the package, and mindful of the confirmation by the IAEA that Iran was accelerating its enrichment programme, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1696 on 31 July. This resolution made suspension of Iran's enrichment activities mandatory and set a deadline of 31 August. The Security Council also stated its intention to adopt a further resolution imposing additional measures, including sanctions, should Iran not be in compliance by this date.
Iran did not respect the 31 August deadline. Determined, however, to exhaust all avenues before returning to the Security Council, and in light of Iran's response in the meantime to the June package of incentives, High Representative Solana agreed to meet with Mr. Larijani in early September to explore whether an acceptable formula for commencing negotiations could be agreed. The first session of these discussions proceeded positively and the key issue of suspension was addressed. However, a second session, held in Berlin on 27-28 September, failed to produce a formula for the commencement of negotiations. The EU side has been obliged, reluctantly, to conclude that Iran is not at this stage seriously interested in responding to the generous offer made to it in June.
Last week's meeting of the Council therefore concluded that the time had now come for consultations in the Security Council on a further resolution imposing some form of sanctions on Iran. While regrettable, this now seems essential if the authority of the Security Council and its resolutions are to be maintained.
It is deeply disappointing that Iran continues to disregard Security Council Resolution 1696 but the matter of sanctions is now, as a consequence, under consideration in New York. Should the Security Council consider it necessary to adopt a further resolution imposing additional measures in the form of sanctions on the Iranian regime, then Ireland will, of course, abide by this decision in conformity with its obligations under the UN Charter.
I would, however, wish to stress that recourse to the Security Council should not be interpreted as abandonment of the possibility of negotiations and agreement on the June package of incentives. I still believe that this package offers a real opportunity to secure benefits for all sides. I would strongly urge Iran to do what is necessary so that a peaceful and acceptable resolution to the current impasse can be found.