The IAEA´s special Board meeting on
Iran´s nuclear programme
Vienna 2 – 3 February 2006
Mr Chairman,
At the outset I would like to
commend Director General Dr. ElBaradei and his dedicated staff for
their strong commitment to finding solutions to Iran’s nuclear
activities. We fully support them in their endeavours. I would also
like to thank Deputy Director Mr. Heinonen for his factual report
just presented to the Board.
Mr Chairman,
More time is needed in order to
attain full clarity regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. We
therefore need to intensify our efforts to solve this issue by
diplomatic means.
We commend the EU3 and the Russian
Federation for their efforts in this regard. Norway has supported
and continues to support the constructive approach taken by the
EU-3 and the Russian Federation.
The IAEA has so far not been in a
position to clarify important outstanding questions related to
Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran has clearly not demonstrated the
required transparency. Recent developments have eroded the
confidence of the international community even
further.
Norway immediately expressed its
concern when the Iranian authorities started breaking UN seals at
nuclear installations. These unilateral actions stand in stark
contrast to the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolutions over the last
two years calling on Iran to suspend all enrichment-related and
reprocessing activities. These actions have not contributed to
restoring confidence in Iran’s nuclear programme.
We acknowledge Iran’s right to use
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with Article IV
of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This
right is of crucial importance and must be applied to all States
Parties without discrimination and in conformity with Articles I
and II of the NPT.
Norway has welcomed initiatives to
facilitate supplies of nuclear fuel, such as the one proposed by
the Russian Federation. We urge Iran to pursue consultations to
develop an arrangement that would satisfy the international
community’s proliferation concerns and Iran’s need for reliable
supplies of nuclear fuel.
Mr Chairman,
Let me reiterate that our aim is to
reach a political and diplomatic solution where the IAEA plays a
key role. To this end we must further strengthen the authority of
the Agency. In order to achieve this, Norway support a decision by
this Board to report to the UN Security Council the Boards decision
regarding the steps Iran is required to take. By doing this, we are
sending a clear and constructive message. At the same time this
leaves the door open for a political solution.
Let me underline that by informing
the UN Security Council, we are not requesting the Security Council
to take any action. The matter remains in Vienna. And a new basis
for a diplomatic solution should be within the framework of
IAEA.
Mr Chairman,
We appeal to Iran to use the time
between now and the next meeting of the Board in March actively and
wisely. This is an opportunity for Iran to demonstrate willingness
to offer full and constructive cooperation.
Only through full suspension of
enrichment activities, including research and development, and full
and pro-active transparency over its nuclear programme, will Iran
be able to demonstrate its readiness to cooperate with the
international community and allay our justified concerns. We
encourage and expect Iran to make full use of this opportunity.
We urge Iran to consider favourably
the proposals that have been tabled, such as the one presented by
the EU last fall and the initiative proposed by the Russian
Federation. We call on Iran to continue its cooperation with the
IAEA on the basis of full transparency and the Additional Protocol.
Ratification of this vital verification instrument would be a most
welcome step.
Norway will also continue its own
bilateral dialogue with Iran, including on broader regional
security issues.
We reiterate our support for the
establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction and
their means of delivery in the Middle East. Norway will continue to
support resolutions in the UN General Assembly calling for the
establishment of such a zone as well as the resolution dealing with
the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
I thank you, Mr Chairman,
There is still an opportunity for
reaching a negotiated solution. Let us seize it.
