Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2012
25 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action further to the oil embargo due to come into operation this summer, that he has taken in conjunction with his EU partners in relation to Iranian efforts to develop a nuclear arsenal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17199/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran, including those issued on 8 November 2011 and 24 February 2012, have concluded that there are both strong grounds for serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme and that information available indicated that Iran had carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device. The IAEA is, of course, the internationally recognised watchdog on this issue, with unrivalled technical expertise and a record of absolute impartiality and independence. The Government is satisfied, as are Ireland's EU partners, that the IAEA's reports are credible and its conclusions must be taken very seriously.
Regrettably, Iran made no move to address the serious findings regarding its nuclear programme raised in the IAEA's 8 November 2011 report. Therefore, the EU has recently been compelled to adopt two further rounds of restrictive measures which I fully support. These were agreed at the Foreign Affairs Councils held on 1 December 2011 and 23 January 2012 and include an embargo of Iranian crude oil imports to the EU which will begin on 1 July. Notwithstanding the clear impact which this planned measure is having on global oil prices, Ireland, along with other EU Partners, has been prepared to accept the economic cost involved, given the gravity of compelling Iran to engage seriously with the international community in addressing the concerns over its nuclear programme.
It is my belief that the additional restrictive measures adopted by the EU, as well as tough bilateral sanctions implemented by US, Canada and the UK, have been of great influence in triggering Iran's belated agreement to accept an offer from EU High Representative Ashton to resume discussions with the E3 + 3 (UK, France, Germany, US, Russia, China). Arrangements are now being made for these resumed negotiations to commence next month. I hope that Iran will now address comprehensively the international concerns about the possible military dimension of its nuclear programme and I urge the Iranian side to enter negotiations this time in a genuine spirit of compromise and cooperation.
Ultimately, it remains the Government's strong view that the issues surrounding Iran's nuclear activities can only be adequately addressed and resolved through diplomacy and negotiations, and not by any other means.
