Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mister President,
And I also thank Director General Grossi for his briefing and for the report to the Council.
Denmark’s position remains clear: Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.
To this end, it remains crucial that the international community can receive and engage with the findings and conclusions of the IAEA.
Against this backdrop, Iran’s continued non-compliance with its safeguards obligations is deeply concerning. For more than 16 months, the IAEA has been unable to fully discharge its verification responsibilities, including with regard to the status of Iran’s nuclear facilities and nuclear material.
The lack of information about Iran’s previously declared stockpile of enriched uranium, combined with the lack of access, leaves the IAEA unable to provide the assurances about the exclusively civilian nature of Iran’s nuclear programme needed by the international community.
This is a deeply troubling trajectory and must be addressed with the utmost urgency. We call on Iran to immediately resume full cooperation with the Agency, including by providing the necessary information and access.
Madam President,
We are once again witnessing the unwillingness of some Council members to face the facts. The fact that the snapback mechanism was activated in full accordance with Security Council resolution 2231, and that the relevant sanctions measures were consequently reinstated.
We deeply regret that this unwillingness prevented the Council from extending the mandate of the Iran sanctions Panel of Experts due to the use of the veto last month.
Despite what we have heard on several occasions the sanctions against Iran remain in force. They are in place due to Iran’s persistent refusal to fully cooperate on its nuclear programme.
Mister President, in closing,
Denmark strongly supports a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. We urge Iran to return to negotiations in good faith, without preconditions, and to engage seriously in efforts to restore international confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme, including through effective international verification.
Thank you.
