Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President.
Denmark voted in favour of this resolution to extend the Panel of Experts supporting the 1737 Sanctions Committee.
The role of the Panel has become all the more essential in light of Iran’s refusal to live up to its safeguards obligations and to cooperate with the IAEA.
We deeply regret that the resolution has been rejected.
What should have been a simple, technical rollover was prevented by the unwillingness of a few Council members to acknowledge that the snapback mechanism was activated in full accordance with Security Council resolution 2231.
This resolution, it is worth recalling, was adopted unanimously by the very same countries that are now preventing its implementation.
Mr. President,
The panel is meant to assist the Committee in carrying out a crucial role in sanctions implementation – by providing independent and impartial information – putting all differences from geopolitical tensions aside.
Denmark has remained actively and constructively engaged in the work of the 1737 Committee and its Panel of Experts. We call on all Council members to fulfil their responsibilities and ensure the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
Mr. President,
Iran has developed a nuclear program that lacks any credible civilian justification, including enriching uranium up to 60 pct. Just last week, the IAEA Board of Governors referred Iran to this very Council over its safeguards non-compliance.
Our goal remains very clear – Iran must never develop or otherwise acquire a nuclear weapon.
The responsibility before this Council is clear - to act with resolve, speak with one voice, and safeguard the foundational principles of global non-proliferation upon which our collective security rests.
I thank you.
