Norwegian Statement by Director General, Mr Kåre Aas

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.