STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR TEBOGO SEOKOLO, RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE/GOVERNOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 23 NOVEMBER 2017, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

AGENDA ITEM 3: VERIFICATION AND MONITORING IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN IN LIGHT OF UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2231 (2015)

Chairperson

The signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015 was an important milestone agreement which opened a new chapter in the Agency’s relations with Iran. We are pleased that previous reports of the Director General, including the one before this Board, on the Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) have indicated that indeed Iran continues to implement its nuclear related obligations under the JCPoA.

Specifically, my delegation welcomes the fact that this latest report indicates that the Agency’s inspectors have found no deviation on the part of Iran from implementing the JCPoA nuclear related obligations especially in relation to Heavy Water and Reprocessing; Activities related to Enrichment and Fuel; as well as Centrifuge Research and Development, Manufacturing and Inventory. 

We further note that Iran continues to provisionally apply the Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement and to implement transparency measures such as issuing long-term visas to Agency inspectors designated for Iran. We commend Iran for these actions that greatly facilitate the work of the Agency and re-confirm its commitment to the implementation of its nuclear related obligations under the JCPoA.

Chairperson

We welcome the Director General’s continued high-level engagement with the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including with His Excellency President Hassan Rouhani. These engagements will go a long way in fostering mutual confidence and trust, which is critical for the successful implementation of the JCPoA.

Chairperson

The JCPoA continues to be the only viable mechanism that will safeguard all the gains made on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Finally, while we encourage Iran to continue on this positive path, we similarly call on all the parties to the JCPoA, particularly the E3+3 as the co-sponsors and custodians of this agreement, to speak with one voice, defend and mobilize global support for this important agreement.

I thank you.

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