Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President, thank you to Colombia for convening today’s meeting.
We regret that, once again, the committee was unable to agree on the 90-day report due to the continued unwillingness by some Council members to recognise the reality that all sanctions against Iran were reimposed last year as a result of the decisions of the Security Council.
We also regret the opposition of some Council members to the appointment of the Chair of the 1737 Committee which has in turn blocked the full operation of all subsidiary bodies. This significantly hampers the ability of the Council to fulfil its mandate. A solution is long overdue.
Denmark has and will continue to engage constructively in the work of the 1737 Committee. We call upon fellow Council members to fully implement all Security Council resolutions and ensure the Committee functions effectively and as intended.
Mr. President,
It is imperative that the Council supports the effective implementation of sanctions against Iran.
We are deeply alarmed by Iran’s refusal to implement its safeguards obligations and by Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA. As a result, the IAEA is unable to discharge its mandate or provide information on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme. There is no credible civilian justification for the amount of highly enriched uranium that Iran has produced. Even more worrying, for over a year, the IAEA has been unable to verify further enrichment activities due to its lack of access.
Denmark’s position has been clear: Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The current escalation clearly demonstrates why this is so important. We strongly call for the pursuit of diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting and sustainable solution to the challenges posed by
the Iranian nuclear programme.
Mr. President,
Denmark continues to follow with great concern the developments in the region, including the recent escalation over the weekend and Iranian attacks against several countries last week. Denmark condemns these attacks in the strongest terms. We call for de-escalation, maximum restraint and the full implementation of resolution 2817.
It is imperative that the current ceasefire is sustained until a durable agreement can be reached. This Council must also remain engaged.
There is an urgent need for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened. As we have heard on multiple occasions, the consequences of Iran’s attempt to keep the Strait closed is felt globally. From the sharp increase in energy costs to soaring food insecurity across the globe, these are very real threats. As always, the most vulnerable are most affected.
Denmark calls on Iran to stop its attacks against countries in the region, end the de-facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts to find a durable solution. We thank Pakistan for its efforts to lead the parties towards a permanent ceasefire.
We repeat our call for full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and recall that protection of civilians –
which also includes seafarers – is essential. So too is the restoration of safe passage and the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Respect for international law, including the UN Charter, remains the key condition for international peace and security. It is high time that this condition is fulfilled.
I thank you.
