Paul Murphy
Ceist:659. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the agreement made on 2 April 2015 between Iran and other world powers on the Iranian nuclear programme. [14594/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 April 2015
Ceisteanna (659)
Freagraí scríofa
On behalf of the Government, I wholeheartedly welcome the agreement in principle reached between representatives of the international community and the Government of Iran on 2 April. I urge all responsible parties to support this agreement and the work of their governments to finally bring it to a successful conclusion.The extended presence at the negotiations in Lausanne of the EU High Representative and the Foreign Ministers of the seven states involved has been a further testament of the seriousness and intent with which they have pursued a diplomatic solution to this difficult issue over a long period, and in particular over the last two years.
What has been achieved is a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a set of understandings in principle on the shape of a final agreement. Hard and serious work remains to be done to iron out the technical details and produce a final agreement by June, as is the intention. There may still be difficulties ahead and a continuing need for compromises, but the parties have reached outline understandings on the main issues, and there is every reason to believe that they will also reach a final agreement.
The outline agreement will allow Iran to continue to develop its civil nuclear power programme, while providing reassurance to its neighbours and others that there will be no military nuclear programme. The agreement will provide for removal in due course of the sanctions that have been placed on Iran in relation to this dispute, as well as the continued monitoring of the Iranian programme by the appropriate international agency, the IAEA.
There will be those, on both sides of the issue, who will wish to reject this agreement and seek tougher terms. This is unrealistic. I urge them instead to welcome this agreement as a major step forward towards the peaceful resolution of a long running dispute, which has had the potential to significantly further destabilize an already volatile region.
The agreement which has been reached is a fair and balanced one, and has, I believe, the overwhelming support of governments and responsible leaders around the world. I commend all those who have worked to achieve it.